Thu Feb 06 13:51:06 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Refuses Land for Mangaluru Airport Expansion; PoC Status Denied

**Mangaluru, February 6, 2025** – The Union government revealed today that Karnataka has rejected a request to provide 32.97 acres of land needed to expand the Mangaluru International Airport’s runway safety area. This land is crucial for safety improvements.

Civil Aviation Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol stated in Lok Sabha that the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which leased the airport to Mangaluru International Airport Ltd. (MaIAL) under a public-private partnership, had requested the land from the Karnataka government. However, the state government refused, citing the PPP model. The AAI has been instructed to resolve the issue in line with Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India guidelines, balancing safety with user costs.

Furthermore, the Minister confirmed that Mangaluru International Airport will not be granted Point of Call (PoC) status, which would allow international airlines to operate directly to and from the airport. The government prioritizes international flights from Indian carriers, making PoC designation for new non-metro airports like Mangaluru unnecessary, according to the Minister. While this decision limits direct international connectivity, Indian carriers remain free to operate international flights from Mangaluru under existing bilateral agreements.

This decision follows a December 2024 request from MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, who highlighted the airport’s potential for growth and its strategic location for connecting Karnataka to global destinations. He emphasized that the lack of PoC status hinders the airport’s development, despite its modern infrastructure and growing traffic.

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