Mangalore, March 7: A delegation of Dakshina Kannada District Youth Congress that met the Union civil aviation minister Vayalar Ravi in New Delhi placed before him various issues related to Mangalore airport. Describing the airport as a core component of infrastructure needed for economic development and the growth of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, the delegation urged Ravi to consider their demands in right earnestness.
These include the need to establish an air cargo complex in Mangalore. AAI has plans to utilize the old terminal for handling cargo flights and to form a flying club. There is a scope for handling cargo such as vegetables and fruits, processed food, chilled items, machinery and garments through air transport from Mangalore and also the potential for importing cargo.
Air passenger traffic has shown phenomenal growth from Mangalore airport. With SEZs coming in the region in a big way, connectivity to Malaysia andSingapore is a must. Tourists too will benefit from these two destinations. At present, international flights are limited to Gulf countries alone. Most flights to the Middle East sector fly in full capacity. Passenger traffic at Mangalore has been growing steadily for the past seven years. It handled more than 8 lakh passengers in 2010 compared to 2.63 lakh passengers in 2004.
For tourists from Goa, Mysore, Bangalore, Mumbai and other parts of India, Mangalore is closest for them to fly to Lakshadweep and economically viable too, the delegation added.
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