Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 9: Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) is set to offer passengers an expanded network and enhanced travel options under the forthcoming Winter schedule, reflecting growing demand for both domestic and international connectivity. Compared to the ongoing summer schedule, the Winter schedule is poised to witness an increase in overall weekly flight movements from 181 to 195, representing a net addition of 14 weekly flights.
On the domestic front, the Winter schedule will witness the introduction of two new daily routes by Fly91 connecting Mangaluru with Agatti and Pune, together adding 14 weekly services to the network. Air India Express will also operate thrice weekly to Hyderabad with narrow body Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
IndiGo is strengthening its presence on key metro routes with additional frequencies to Mumbai, while Air India Express is enhancing connectivity to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. These additions reinforce Mangaluru's links with important business, leisure and transit markets across India.
Internationally, the Winter schedule marks a significant capacity enhancement across the Gulf sector, a region that continues to witness strong demand from travellers from coastal Karnataka and neighbouring districts.
Air India Express will restart flights to Kuwait and add Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates as a new sector from this coastal city. The airline will also increase frequencies to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Dubai. Collectively, the airline's international weekly departures from Mangaluru will increase from 34 to 45.
The overall international network is expected to grow from 48 to 59 weekly departures, strengthening Mangaluru's position as a key gateway connecting the region with the Middle East. Existing services to Dammam, Doha, Jeddah, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will continue to serve passengers throughout the season.
The Winter schedule highlights the confidence of airline partners in the market potential of Mangaluru and the sustained growth trajectory of the airport. The expanded network will offer passengers greater choice, improved connectivity, and more convenient travel options across domestic and international destinations during the upcoming season.
The enhanced schedule is complemented by an improved passenger experience, with 20 food and beverage outlets and 23 retail stores now available across the airport precinct, offering greater choice and convenience. In the past year, the airport has also garnered several international accolades for customer experience, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Key highlights of W'26 vs S'26
• Total weekly flights increase from 181 to 195 (+14).
• Domestic weekly flights increase from 133 to 136 (+3).
• International weekly flights increase from 48 to 59 (+11).
• New domestic routes: Agatti, Pune (Fly91) and Hyderabad (Air India Express)
• New international routes: Ras Al Khaimah (Air India Express)
• Additional frequencies on key sectors including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Dubai.
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 eight 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 40 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 2026, Airports Council International (ACI) awarded IXE Level 5 accreditation for customer experience, making it one among four Airports in India to receive this prestigious global accreditation. This recognises the airport's advanced practices in service design and innovation, governance, and customer understanding. The Confederation of Indian Industry too issued Mangaluru Airport with the prestigious Zero Waste to Landfill certification. The Airport in June 2026 commissioned India’s first and Asia’s second Precision Approach Lighting Category 1 system, mounted on specially engineered towers.