Mangaluru International Airport.
Credit: X/@27saurabhsinha
Mangaluru: Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader has written to Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu seeking "Point of Call" (PoC) Status for Mangaluru International Airport.
In his letter, Khader appealed for granting of Point of Call (PoC) status to Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) under the open skies arrangement, particularly for international carriers operating from ASEAN and SAARC countries. Mangaluru, a prominent and rapidly growing city in Karnataka, holds strategic importance due to its geographic proximity and strong connectivity with countries in the Middle East, Far East, Europe, USA, Australia, and New Zealand. Granting PoC status to the airport will significantly enhance air connectivity, supporting economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange, he said.
A large diaspora from the coastal Karnataka region resides across ASEAN and SAARC nations and frequently travels to Mangaluru for family reunions, business, and cultural engagements. Enhanced connectivity through direct international flights will play a critical role in improving passenger convenience and boosting the local economy.
Currently, many foreign carriers operate flights to multiple international airports in neighbouring states such as Kerala. Karnataka, despite its size and economic significance, has only one international airport-Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, with PoC status. “Therefore, we humbly request that Mangaluru (IXE) be designated as the second Point of Call in Karnataka,” he said.
The move will not only reduce travel burdens for international passengers but also unlock substantial economic benefits through increased trade, employment, tourism, healthcare, and education. Furthermore, PoC status will facilitate the export of perishable goods, which are in high demand in the Middle East and beyond, he said.