Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader seeks Point of Call status to Mangaluru International Airport

Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader has joined the list of political leaders seeking Point of Call (PoC) status to Mangaluru International Airport.

This is amid Union Government informing the Lok Sabha in February 2025 that “new non-metro airports, including Mangaluru, are not being granted Point of Call (PoC) status.” Earlier, Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta had sought PoC status to the airport.

The PoC status enables international airlines to operate to and from an airport.

Strategic location

In his letter to Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu dated June 27, 2025, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, the Speaker said that he is seeking to consider Mangaluru for granting PoC status under the open skies arrangement, particularly for international carriers operating from ASEAN and SAARC countries.

Mr. Khader said that Mangaluru holds strategic importance due to its geographic proximity and strong connectivity with countries in West Asia, Europe, the US, Australia and New Zealand. Granting PoC status to Mangaluru will significantly enhance air connectivity, supporting economic growth, tourism and cultural exchange.

“A large diaspora from coastal Karnataka region resides across ASEAN and SAARC nations and frequently travels to Mangaluru for family reunions, business and cultural engagements. Enhanced connectivity through direct international flights will play a critical role in improving passenger convenience and boosting the local economy,” Mr. Khader, who is also MLA of Mangaluru, said.

The letter added: “Currently, many foreign carriers operate flights to multiple international airports in neighbouring states such as Kerala. Karnataka, despite its size and economic significance, has only one international airport — in Bengaluru — with PoC status. Therefore, we humbly request that Mangaluru be designated as the second PoC in Karnataka.”

The Speaker said that the PoC status to Mangaluru will facilitate the export of perishable goods, which are in high demand in West Asia and beyond.

Capt. Chowta met Mr. Naidu

Earlier, Capt. Chowta who met Mr. Naidu in Delhi on December 19, 2024 had sought PoC to the airport. In a letter submitted to the Minister, Capt. Chowta said that Dakshina Kannada is a hub for industries such as marine exports, areca nut and cashew processing, and petrochemicals, all of which cater to international markets. Enhanced connectivity will streamline trade, reduce logistical costs, and attract global investments.

Minister’s reply to Lok Sabha

However, in a written reply to an unstarred question by Capt. Chowta in the Lok Sabha on February 6, 2025, Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation said: “…At present, the Government of India promotes more international operations by Indian carriers from non-metro points (airports) either directly or through their own domestic operations. Accordingly, new non-metro points, including Mangaluru, are not being granted as PoC in the Air Services Agreement (ASA) to any foreign country.”