MP Capt Brijesh Chowta urges Point of Call status for Mangaluru International Airport
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. This status is crucial for the airport's development and the region's economic growth.
During a parliamentary session, MP Chowta highlighted the airport's significance as a major aviation hub for coastal Karnataka and Kerala. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the airport handled approximately 2.34 million passengers, including 715,000 international travelers, and recorded over 16,800 flight movements. The airport's annual growth rate exceeds 15%, underscoring its vital role in regional development and commercial expansion.
The Tulunadu region's population, which works in Gulf and Middle Eastern countries, heavily relies on the Mangaluru airport for international travel. However, the absence of PoC status hinders direct international services, forcing passengers to travel via Bengaluru or Kochi. This results in higher costs, longer travel times, and inconvenience for the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community.
MP Chowta emphasized that granting PoC status would enable direct international connectivity, expand aviation operations, and facilitate smoother travel for overseas workers and their families. This connectivity would boost local trade and investment, supporting industries like marine exports, arecanut and cashew processing, and petrochemicals. It would also contribute to the growth of the Mangaluru Special Economic Zone.
Enhanced international accessibility would further promote coastal tourism and strengthen the education sector. Prestigious institutions such as NITK Surathkal and Manipal Institute of Technology would benefit from improved access to global platforms, making it easier for students, researchers, and visitors to engage with international opportunities.
In summary, MP Capt Brijesh Chowta's plea for Point of Call status for the Mangaluru International Airport is a call for improved connectivity, economic growth, and enhanced regional development.
