Mangaluru: Efforts are underway to bring back a separate terminal facility for Haj pilgrims at Mangaluru airport, with the state government expressing optimism about securing approval from the Centre this year.

Karnataka’s Minister for Municipal Administration and Haj, Rahim Khan, informed the Legislative Council on March 24 that the government has formally requested Union Ministers to permit the resumption of the dedicated facility, which has not been operational at Mangaluru for the past two years.

Responding to a query raised by Congress member Nagaraj Yadav during Question Hour, the Minister noted that while Bengaluru International Airport continues to provide a temporary exclusive terminal for Haj pilgrims each year, similar arrangements have not been extended to Mangaluru in recent times.

Highlighting the growing demand, Khan said approximately 8,000 pilgrims undertook the Haj pilgrimage in 2025, and the number is expected to rise significantly this year, with around 11,000 pilgrims already selected.

He expressed confidence that the Centre would respond positively, paving the way for smoother and more convenient travel arrangements for pilgrims from the coastal region.