Mangaluru Airport
Credit: DH File Photo
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta met Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu, in Delhi and requested him to grant Point of Call status to Mangaluru International Airport. Point of Call status allows foreign airlines to operate to and from an airport.
Captain Chowta also requested Naidu to facilitate additional flight routes from Mangaluru.
In a letter submitted to the Minister, Captain Chowta said that Mangaluru International Airport plays a pivotal role in connecting Karnataka to the rest of the world. Despite its modern infrastructure and increasing passenger and cargo traffic, the lack of adequate direct international connectivity limits its potential.
Granting Point of Call status to the airport would resolve the limitation and offer significant benefits, particularly given its strategic proximity to Lakshadweep, the Middle East, and European countries as well as its potential to serve as a hub for flights from South Asian and Southeast Asian countries connecting to the Middle East.
The MP said Mangaluru is ideally positioned to serve as a vital hub for international air travel. Its proximity to Lakshadweep as well as to the Middle East and European nations, makes it a natural choice for direct fights.
Dr Chowta said granting Point of Call status will enable flights from Southeast Asia and South Asia to use Mangaluru as a stopover or transit hub for better connectivity to the Middle East, creating a seamless travel network.
Further, it will help boost economic growth. Dakshina Kannada is a hub for industries such as marine exports, areca nut and cashew processing, and petrochemicals, all of which cater to international markets. Enhanced connectivity will streamline trade, reduce logistical costs, and attract global investments.
The Mangalore SEZ, which has already attracted significant investments like the photovoltaic cells and solar panels manufacturing unit by MIR group, would gain further momentum with improved international connectivity fostering industrial and economic growth.
The region's rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and eco-tourism have significant appeal for international tourists. Improved direct air connectivity will attract visitors from Gulf countries, Europe, and Southeast Asia, boosting the tourism industry and creating job opportunities in the hospitality sector, he said.
Direct flights to destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha would ease travel for these Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and their families, strengthening ties and encouraging frequent visits. Granting Point of Call status to the airport will unlock its potential as a regional hub for international travel and trade.