Mangaluru Airport cargo running at half capacity: Minister

Only about 50-55% of the installed cargo handling capacity at Mangaluru International Airport is currently being utilised, said Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mr Murlidhar Mohol in the Lok Sabha. The airport’s cargo terminal has an annual installed capacity of 9,000 tonnes. Cargo data shows steady growth, with domestic volumes rising to 3,864 tonnes in 2024-25, while international cargo operations began in July 2024. On proposals to position Mangaluru as a logistics hub or a key gateway to Lakshadweep, Mr Mohol said there are currently no direct flights to the island chain, with route decisions left to airlines under India’s deregulated aviation framework, as per a report.