Mangaluru International Airport handles record 2.03 Lakh passengers in December 2023
Mangaluru, Jan 03, 2023: Mangaluru International Airport bid adieu to the year 2023 with a remarkable surge in passenger numbers, achieving two significant milestones in December. The month proved to be exceptionally gratifying as the airport handled a record-breaking 2.03 lakh passengers, marking the highest monthly count since commercial operation date (COD) of October 31, 2020.
Adding to the triumph, the airport also set a new record by managing 7,548 passengers on a single day, surpassing the previous record of 7,468 passengers on November 25, 2023.
The achievement of the 2.03 lakh passenger milestone was fueled by Mangaluru International Airport’s commendable performance during 12 days in December, where it consistently served 7,000 or more passengers. The pinnacle of this accomplishment was witnessed on New Year’s Eve when the airport handled 7,548 passengers.
Notably, the majority of this heightened passenger activity occurred during weekends-December 9-10, 16-17, 23-25, and 30-31. The days leading up to Christmas recorded footfalls of 7089, 7220, and 7034 respectively.
Building on the momentum from November 2023, where the airport had already set a record with 1.78 lakh passengers, Mangaluru International Airport continues to be a key player in the surge of aviation travel. The airport spokesperson emphasized that the increasing numbers reflect the upward trajectory of both domestic and international air travel, overcoming various challenges. This growth is attributed not only to the airport’s efforts but also to the collaborative roles played by airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo in contributing to the aviation resurgence.
The surge in air traffic movements (ATMs) has been evident since the inception of the winter schedule on October 29, 2023. In December 2023, Mangaluru International Airport recorded a total of 1388 ATMs, including 1096 domestic movements. This consistent rise in both business and leisure travel has been a driving force behind the escalating footfalls at the airport, which currently offers connectivity to nine domestic destinations, including six direct flights, and seven international destinations.
