Media Release
Mangaluru, May 8: Mangaluru International Airport welcomed Second PUC toppers from science, arts and commerce streams across Dakshina Kannada district for an exclusive experiential visit, offering them a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into airport operations on May 7.
The visit was organised to mark the city’s tryst with civil aviation 75 years ago, when the first aircraft carrying then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru landed at then Bajpe aerodrome on December 25, 1951. The airport has organized various programmes to mark the Platinum jubilee of this historical event throughout the year, culminating in the finale planned in December 2026.
The initiative aimed to inspire young achievers by providing a ring-side view of the dynamic aviation ecosystem — from terminal operations to critical airside functions. During the visit, students were introduced to key passenger journey touchpoints, including security procedures, airline and terminal operations, and the role of the Aviation Security Group unit of Central Industrial Security Force in ensuring safety and security.
The students also gained insights into the airport’s focus on passenger experience, learning how terminal operations are designed to ensure comfort, efficiency and satisfaction. A key highlight was their interaction with vital operational units such as aircraft rescue and fire fighting and air traffic control, which play a crucial role in maintaining safe and seamless airside operations — ensuring calm skies and efficient management on ground.
Senior leadership of Mangaluru Airport shared valuable insights into the growth of the aviation sector, enhancing passenger expectations and the diverse career opportunities, these expectations bring forth. The student interaction served as an eye-opener, encouraging them to explore careers in aviation and related fields.
Mangaluru Airport will shortly host the 10th Standard (SSLC) toppers of Dakshina Kannada district for a similar experiential visit. Mangaluru Airport remains committed to engaging with the community and nurturing future talent by creating meaningful opportunities that inspire and inform the next generation.
About Mangaluru International Airport Limited (MgIAL)
Mangaluru International Airport Limited (MgIAL) is a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), the flagship of the globally diversified Adani Group, and the largest private operator of seven functional airports in India through Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). AAHL holds a 49 per cent stake, while AEL, the parent company, holds the majority 51 per cent stake in MgIAL. MgIAL operates and is modernising Mangaluru International Airport (IXE), a major aviation hub in Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.
Mangaluru International Airport, Mangaluru (IATA: IXE ICAO: VOML)
Mangaluru International Airport, with a rich history of 75 years, is spread over 583.77 acres and holds the distinction of being Karnataka’s second busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, having managed 2.54 million passengers in FY 2025–26. The airport, which is the first in Karnataka to have two runways, including one made of rigid pavement and overlaid with asphalt, currently caters to over 50 air traffic movements (ATMs) every day.
With a digital-first approach, the airport delivers a smooth experience for passengers through advanced technology and efficient operations. As an emerging cargo hub, IXE manages air cargo of over 5,600 metric tonnes per annum.
In July 2025, Airports Council International (ACI) awarded IXE Level 4 accreditation for customer experience. The accreditation recognises the airport's advanced practices in service design and innovation, governance, and customer understanding.
Mangaluru International Airport was the first Indian airport in the 5 million passenger category to achieve the Level 3 milestone.
The Confederation of Indian Industry too issued Mangaluru Airport with the prestigious Zero Waste to Landfill certification.