Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 11: MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has urged the union government to urgently grant Point of Call (PoC) status to the Mangaluru International Airport.

Raising the issue under Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha, the MP said that the airport serves as a major aviation gateway for coastal Karnataka and neighbouring Kerala. During 2024–25, the airport handled approximately 23.4 lac passengers, including 7.15 lac international travellers, with over 16,800 flight movements. The airport has recorded more than 15% annual growth, highlighting its importance for regional development and commercial expansion, he said.

A significant population from the Tulunadu region works in Gulf and Middle Eastern countries, and this community relies heavily on Mangaluru airport for international travel. However, MP Chowta pointed out that the absence of PoC status prevents foreign airlines from operating direct international services to and from the airport. As a result, passengers are forced to travel via Bengaluru or Kochi, leading to higher expenses, longer travel hours, and several inconveniences for the NRI community.

Granting PoC status to Mangaluru International Airport would enable direct international connectivity, expand aviation operations, and facilitate smoother travel for overseas workers and their families. Such connectivity, he stated, would boost local trade and investment activities, and support regional industries such as marine exports, arecanut and cashew processing, and petrochemicals. It would also aid the growth of the Mangaluru Special Economic Zone.

Enhanced international accessibility would further promote coastal tourism and bolster the education sector. Prestigious institutions like NITK Surathkal and Manipal Institute of Technology would benefit greatly, as students, researchers, and visitors would find it easier to access global platforms, the MP added.