Mangaluru International Airport Breaks Ground on Integrated Terminal Expansion to Boost Capacity

MANGALURU — Mangaluru International Airport has officially commenced construction on a major expansion of its integrated terminal following a groundbreaking ceremony held on Wednesday.

The infrastructure project is designed to increase the airport's annual passenger handling capacity from the current 2.5 million to 5.2 million over the next three years. According to the project timeline outlined in a media statement, the entire expansion initiative is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.

The existing terminal spans 48,574 square meters and was originally designed to handle approximately 2 million passengers annually. Airport management noted that the facility has already surpassed its intended capacity, necessitating the current upgrade to sustain operational efficiency.

The expansion plan entails the addition of 27,100 square meters of new space. According to the airport's media statement, the capacity augmentation is critical for maintaining service standards and ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers. The newly created space will house expanded processing infrastructure across several key areas, including check-in counters, security screening, immigration, baggage handling, and arrivals and departures.

In addition to terminal modifications, the project includes the development of a proposed multifunctional building. This adjacent structure will feature multi-level parking space capable of accommodating more than 800 vehicles, along with modern office spaces, passenger amenities, food and beverage outlets, and recreational facilities.

"The infrastructure expansion at Mangaluru International Airport reflects the growing demand for regional connectivity and efficient transit facilities. As passenger volumes continue to exceed existing capacities across Indian airports, timely investments in terminal infrastructure and processing capabilities are essential to maintain service quality and support long-term economic growth in the surrounding region." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes