Mangaluru, Nov 11: Mangaluru International Airport has launched a major expansion of its integrated terminal, with plans to more than double its annual passenger handling capacity from the existing 2.5 million to 5.2 million over the next three years.

The project, which began with a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, will add 27,100 square metres of terminal space on the eastern side of the existing building. The expanded facility is expected to feature upgraded infrastructure, modern passenger-processing systems and additional amenities aimed at improving travel convenience and operational efficiency.

The expansion comes as passenger traffic continues to outgrow the airport’s existing infrastructure. The current terminal, spread across 48,574 square metres and originally designed to accommodate around two million passengers annually, handled 2.55 million passengers in the financial year 2025–26.

Passenger numbers have increased by nearly 42% in three years, rising from 1.79 million in 2022–23. The airport estimates that traffic will continue to grow at an annual compound rate of around 9%, potentially crossing four million passengers by 2030–31.

Along with the additional terminal space, modifications to the existing building will help accommodate the projected increase in passenger traffic. The upgraded infrastructure will cover key areas such as check-in counters, security screening, immigration, baggage handling and arrival and departure facilities.

The airport attributes the rising demand to Mangaluru’s growing importance as a regional centre for commerce, industry, education, healthcare, start-ups and business. Dakshina Kannada, headquartered in Mangaluru, is among Karnataka’s leading districts in per capita income, further underlining the region’s economic significance.

Beyond increasing passenger capacity, the expansion plan includes facilities intended to make the airport more accessible and welcoming to the local community. These include a public viewing gallery accessible after security clearance and an open-air recreational area overlooking the airfield and the Gurpur river valley.

The project will also be complemented by a proposed multifunctional building featuring multi-level parking for more than 800 vehicles. The facility will house office spaces, passenger amenities, food and beverage outlets and recreational facilities.

A dedicated pedestrian bridge fitted with travelators, along with buggy services, is planned to connect the multifunctional building with the terminal, facilitating convenient movement between the parking facility and the airport.

The terminal expansion is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029. The airport expects the upgraded infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger demand, improve operational efficiency and strengthen Mangaluru’s role as a major aviation gateway for Coastal Karnataka and neighbouring regions.