Mangaluru: Demand for a new greenfield airport in coastal Karnataka intensified, with Belthangady and Padubidri-Yermal emerging as key proposed sites, even as questions persisted over whether Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) fully utilised its existing capacity.Supporters of the new projects, including political and religious leaders, argued that additional airports would significantly reduce travel time for residents in northern parts of Udupi district, such as Kundapur and Byndoor, who currently depended on MIA for air connectivity. They said new facilities could also strengthen tourism, trade, and industrial growth, positioning the coastal belt for faster economic development.The proposal at Padubidri-Yermal gained visibility, with Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Shrinivasa Poojary taking it up with Union civil aviation minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu. Separately, a mini airport was proposed in Dharmasthala, with around 100 acres aimed at improving access for pilgrims visiting Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala.However, aviation observers and some local stakeholders questioned the timing and cost of building new airports, when MIA still had room to expand services. They pointed to the airport’s current operations, about 50 aircraft movements a day and an average daily footfall of roughly 6,000 passengers. In earlier years, MIA handled more than 80 aircraft a day, when Jet Airways was operating, suggesting that higher traffic levels were possible under the right market conditions.MIA’s long-term projections also featured in the debate. The airport aimed to handle 6 million passengers per annum by 2035, and up to 18 million by 2070, targets that would require sustained route growth and infrastructure upgrades.A senior IT industry executive said, “The need for the airport can be decided when MIA discloses its future plans, whether it is planning to scale up, and with available facilities, how many flights can be operated in a day.” The executive urged early disclosure to enable timely planning.Aviation enthusiasts also highlighted gaps in last-mile connectivity, calling for stronger public transport links to MIA from across the region. They added that critical upgrades remained pending, including acquisition of 33 acres required for runway safety enhancements.A political representative noted that while there was demand for an airport in Yermal, it might not materialise immediately because MIA is relatively close and accessible by road.Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said that planning for another airport should be guided by MIA’s future plans. “We will soon seek the answer from the competent authorities about the future plans of MIA, keeping the safety and convenience of the passengers in mind,” he said.
