Mangaluru: The debate over setting up a new airport in coastal Karnataka should be guided by the future expansion roadmap of Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has said, stressing that any decision on a greenfield airport must be based on clarity about MIA’s long-term capacity, growth plans, and operational potential.

The demand for additional airport infrastructure in the coastal belt has been gaining momentum, with Belthangady and the Padubidri-Yermal stretch emerging as key proposed locations. However, the push has also triggered discussions among stakeholders on whether the existing airport has fully leveraged its available capacity before investing in a new facility.

Advocates of a second airport, including political and community leaders, argue that a new facility would significantly cut travel time for residents of northern Udupi district, especially from Kundapur and Byndoor, who currently rely on MIA for air travel. They maintain that an additional airport could also boost tourism, trade, and industrial activity, accelerating economic growth across the coastal region.

The proposal for an airport at Padubidri-Yermal has received political attention, with Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Srinivasa Poojary raising the matter with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. Separately, a mini airport has also been proposed near Dharmasthala, with around 100 acres identified to improve connectivity for pilgrims visiting the shrine town.

Despite the growing calls, aviation observers and local stakeholders have questioned the timing and financial viability of new airport projects when MIA still has scope to scale up operations. They noted that the airport currently handles around 50 aircraft movements a day with an average daily passenger footfall of about 6,000, whereas in earlier years it managed over 80 aircraft movements daily when airline traffic was higher.

MIA’s long-term projections have further added to the discussion, with the airport targeting handling of six million passengers annually by 2035 and up to 18 million by 2070, figures that would depend on sustained route expansion and infrastructure upgrades.

Industry voices have also underlined the need for transparency regarding MIA’s expansion strategy. A senior IT sector executive said that decisions on a new airport should follow a clear disclosure of MIA’s future plans, including how many additional flights can be accommodated with existing and upgraded facilities.

Aviation enthusiasts have meanwhile pointed to pending infrastructure and connectivity issues, including the need for improved public transport access to MIA and the acquisition of additional land required for runway safety enhancements.

Echoing these concerns, Capt Chowta said the demand for another airport must be evaluated only after assessing MIA’s growth trajectory, capacity utilisation, and future development plans. He added that the authorities would soon be approached for detailed information on MIA’s roadmap, with passenger safety, convenience, and long-term regional needs being key considerations.