Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Corporate Affairs

05-October-2012 15:02 IST

Union Corporate Affairs & Power Minister Dr. M. Veerappa Moily has expressed happiness on the Cabinet decision approving the proposal of declaring Mangalore Air Port as international airport alongwith other three airports of the country.

In a massage Dr. Moily said Mangalore is the gate way of Karnataka and it has the potential to develop as an important commercial centre next to Mumbai on the Western Coast. It has an excellent hinterland and with the advantage modern harbor a number of industries have been situated in this region. Manipal and other educational institutions have already attracted attention of the entire world. The region has already been boomed itself as a prominent hub of excellence. Every house of the region has atleast one person as NRI. Mangalore Airport is functioning since 1951 and most deserved to be declared as international airport. Presently it has the facilities of handling 400 passengers in the Domestic arrival Hall and 150 international passengers in international hall. The Minster said he has been keenly pursuing the matter for a couple of years for its declaration as International Airport keeping in view of the benefit of the international commuters and also the benefit of the region.

For this Dr. Moily while expressing gratitude towards the Prime Minster and the Minister of Civil Aviation have thanked them for considering his request.

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ST/-

International airport designation expands Mangalore's global connectivity, recognizing regional commercial potential and benefiting international commuters. Declaration of Mangalore Airport as an international airport was approved by the Cabinet and the Union Minister expressed satisfaction, thanked the Prime Minister and the Civil Aviation Minister, and framed the designation as beneficial to international commuters and regional development. The Minister cited the airport's geographic gateway role, commercial and educational strengths, industrial hinterland, harbour advantages, operation since 1951, current passenger-handling capacities, and his multi-year advocacy for the upgrade.