Aviation group urges better connectivity, services at MIA

Time of India

19-07-2025

Mangaluru: A group of aviation enthusiasts from the coast, working and studying in different parts of the country and abroad, recently wrote a letter to the MP, Mangaluru International Airport authorities and others, highlighting pressing issues faced at MIA.
The letter was written by the 'Coastal Aviation Task Group', a collective of aviation aficionados. They said that there is a lack of domestic connectivity, with major cities such as Pune, Kochi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Hubballi and Coimbatore remaining unconnected. This deficiency forces travellers to utilise distant airports like Bengaluru or Kannur.
International access was also limited, with high-demand routes to Riyadh, Sharjah, Muscat and Singapore not being served at all.
Furthermore, seat availability on existing routes was extremely restricted, even on key sectors with high passenger demand such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Dammam, resulting in exorbitant fares.
Cargo traders face high rates and operational hurdles, often necessitating the rerouting of shipments through other airports such as Kannur, Bengaluru and Goa. The group highlighted that MIA currently hosts operations only from IndiGo and Air India Express, calling for more private airlines to enter the market, as well as full-service carriers like Air India, to enhance service and eliminate price monopolies.
"Despite higher passenger numbers than some airports that have received expanded services, MIA continues to be neglected by its existing operators," they stated in their letter.
Additionally, the group demanded dedicated cargo services, including regular weekly freighter operations from various air carriers, which would benefit regional exporters, especially given the challenging road access over the ghats.
The letter also referenced successful solutions implemented at other airports, including stakeholder meetings and collaboration, as seen at Tiruchirappalli, Surat and Kannur. Joint efforts involving MP, MLAs, tourism boards, trade associations and airport authorities led to MoUs and rapid service expansions. Direct engagement with airline leadership, exemplified by Tiruchirappalli's MP, resulted in a significant increase in domestic flights.
Further suggestions included establishing a tourism promotion office at Mangaluru airport to highlight local destinations and boost visitor numbers, as well as presenting tourism videos at the airport, similar to those at Jaipur and Andaman and Nicobar, to inform travellers about the region's rich land, cuisine and culture. The installation of Tulu-language signage at the airport was also recommended to preserve and promote the region's identity and culture.