Mangalore International Airport (IXE)

About Mangalore International Airport (IXE)

Mangalore International Airport serves as the primary aviation gateway to the coastal city of Mangalore and the broader Dakshina Kannada region of Karnataka. Mangalore airport handles both domestic and international flights, connecting this culturally rich coastal area to major cities across India and destinations in the Middle East. Located in Bajpe, the facility plays a vital role in supporting the region's business activities, education sector, and tourism industry.

As the main airport serving the region, this facility welcomes business travelers, students, expatriate workers, pilgrims visiting nearby temples, and tourists exploring the Karavali coast. Mangalore airport has grown significantly over the years to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, offering modern amenities and efficient services that cater to both domestic and international travelers visiting this vibrant port city known for its beaches, temples, and unique cuisine.

Mangalore Airport History

The Mangalore airport has an interesting history that reflects the city's growing importance as a commercial and educational hub. The original airport was located at Bajpe and served limited domestic routes with basic facilities. As Mangalore's economy expanded, particularly with growth in the education sector, IT industry, and increased migration to Gulf countries for employment, the need for better aviation infrastructure became apparent.

A significant milestone came with the construction of a new terminal and infrastructure upgrades that transformed the facility into an international airport. The Mangalore airport was redeveloped with modern facilities including an extended runway capable of handling larger aircraft, upgraded terminal buildings, and international-standard navigation systems. The facility achieved international airport status, enabling direct flights to Middle Eastern destinations that serve the large Mangalorean diaspora working in the Gulf region. Today, Mangalore International Airport stands as a modern facility that efficiently connects this coastal region to domestic and international destinations.

Mangalore Airport Details - IATA, Address and Pin Code

Official Name: Mangalore International Airport

IATA Code: IXE

Address: Mangaluru International Airport, Bajpe Main Road, Kenjar, Mangaluru, Karnataka India

Airport Pin Code: 574142

Distance from Mangalore City Centre: Approximately 20 kilometers

Phone Number: +91 6358859896

Old Name: Previously known as Bajpe Airport before achieving international status

How Many Airports in Mangalore?

Mangalore has one civilian airport serving all commercial aviation needs for the region. The Mangalore airport, located at Bajpe, is the sole facility handling scheduled passenger flights for Dakshina Kannada and surrounding areas. This single aviation hub efficiently manages all domestic and international flight operations. The centralized infrastructure ensures streamlined operations and focused investment in maintaining high service standards for all passengers.

How Many Terminals in Mangalore Airport?

The Mangalore airport operates with an integrated terminal building designed to handle both domestic and international passenger traffic efficiently. The terminal is functionally organized into distinct sections:

Domestic Terminal

The domestic section at Mangalore International Airport manages flights connecting to major Indian cities including Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and other important destinations. This section features modern check-in facilities, security screening areas, comfortable waiting lounges, and boarding gates designed for efficient domestic passenger processing.

International Terminal

The international section at Mangalore airport primarily serves flights to Middle Eastern destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Kuwait, Doha, and Bahrain. This area is equipped with comprehensive customs and immigration facilities, international departure lounges, duty-free shopping, and arrival halls with necessary infrastructure for processing international passengers.

Distance Between Mangalore Airport Terminals

Since Mangalore airport features an integrated terminal building, the distance between domestic and international sections is minimal and easily walkable. Passengers can move between the two functional areas within the same terminal complex in just a few minutes without requiring shuttle services.

How Many Runways in Mangalore Airport?

Mangalore International Airport operates with one primary runway that serves all flight operations. The runway at Mangalore airport is known for its distinctive tabletop configuration, situated on a plateau with valleys on either side. This unique geography requires pilots to undergo special training for landing at this facility. The runway is designed to accommodate various aircraft types including wide-body jets used on international routes and narrow-body aircraft serving domestic destinations. Despite the challenging terrain, the airport maintains excellent safety standards with modern navigation aids and precision approach systems.

Mangalore Airport Lounges and Facilities

The Mangalore airport offers comfortable lounge facilities for passengers seeking enhanced pre-flight amenities. Lounges are accessible to business class passengers, premium frequent flyer members, and travelers who purchase lounge access. These spaces provide air-conditioned comfort, complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi connectivity, comfortable seating, reading materials, and entertainment options.

Additional facilities at Mangalore International Airport include duty-free shopping offering liquor, perfumes, and travel essentials for international passengers. Retail outlets sell local specialties including Mangalorean snacks, cashew products, coffee, and handicrafts. Dining options serve both coastal Karnataka cuisine and standard airport fare. Mangalore airport provides banking services, ATMs, currency exchange, medical facilities, and special assistance for elderly passengers and those with reduced mobility. Tourist information counters help visitors with local transportation and accommodation arrangements.

How to Reach Mangalore Airport from City Center

By Metro/Subway

Mangalore does not currently have a metro or subway system. The city relies on road-based transportation for connectivity between Mangalore airport and various urban areas. Public transportation infrastructure continues to develop as the city modernizes.

By Bus

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation operates regular bus services connecting Mangalore airport with the city center and surrounding areas. These economical options provide affordable transportation for budget-conscious travelers. Private shuttle services also connect the airport to various parts of the city and nearby towns like Udupi and Manipal.

By Taxi/Cab

Prepaid taxi services are readily available at Mangalore International Airport, offering fixed-rate transportation to various destinations across the city. App-based cab services like Ola and Uber also operate extensively in Mangalore. The journey from Mangalore airport to the city center typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

By Private Car

Travelers can reach Mangalore airport by private vehicle using well-maintained roads connecting to National Highway 66. The airport offers parking facilities for both short-term and long-term stays. Many hotels provide pick-up and drop-off services for their guests, which is particularly convenient for travelers with luggage.

Things to Do in Mangalore Airport

While waiting at Mangalore airport, passengers can explore duty-free shopping for tax-free liquor, perfumes, and chocolates if traveling internationally. Local specialty shops offer Mangalorean cashew nuts, coffee, banana chips, and traditional handicrafts as souvenirs. Dining outlets serve authentic coastal Karnataka cuisine including fish curry, neer dosa, and kori rotti alongside standard options. Free Wi-Fi allows travelers to stay connected and plan their activities. Comfortable seating areas with views of the runway provide spaces for relaxation before flights. The airport's compact size makes navigation easy and stress-free.

Places to Visit Near Mangalore Airport

Mangalore airport is conveniently located with access to numerous attractions. The city of Mangalore, approximately 20 kilometers away, offers beautiful beaches like Panambur and Tannirbhavi, historic temples including the Mangaladevi Temple and Kadri Manjunath Temple, and vibrant local markets. Udupi, famous for its Krishna Temple and vegetarian cuisine, lies about 60 kilometers from the airport. The educational hub of Manipal is roughly 65 kilometers away. St. Mary's Island, known for unique geological formations, can be accessed via Malpe. The hill station of Agumbe, often called the Cherrapunji of South India, offers stunning waterfalls and rainforest experiences within a few hours' drive from the airport.

FAQs About Mangalore Airport - Mangalore International Airport

What is the Official Name of Mangalore Airport?

The official name is Mangalore International Airport, serving the Dakshina Kannada region of Karnataka.

What is the IATA Code for Mangalore International Airport?

The IATA code for Mangalore airport is IXE.

Which Terminals Serve Domestic and International Flights at Mangalore Airport?

Mangalore airport has an integrated terminal building with separate functional sections for domestic and international flights within the same complex.

Which Railway Station is Near to Mangalore Airport?

Mangalore Central Railway Station and Mangalore Junction are the nearest major rail hubs, both located approximately 18 to 20 kilometers from Mangalore airport.

Where is Mangalore Airport Located?

Mangalore International Airport is located in Bajpe, approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Mangalore city center in Karnataka, India.

When Was Mangalore Airport Built?

Mangalore airport was originally built at Bajpe and later underwent major redevelopment and expansion to achieve international airport status with modern facilities and infrastructure.

Is Mangalore International Airport Open 24 Hours?

Mangalore International Airport operates according to scheduled flight timings and is not a full 24-hour facility, though it accommodates early morning and late-night flights as per airline schedules.

How Far is Mangalore International Airport from Mangalore City Center?

Mangalore airport is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center, with travel time ranging from 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

What Airlines Operate from Mangalore International Airport?

Major airlines operating from Mangalore airport include IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Air India Express for domestic routes, along with several carriers serving international destinations in the Middle East.

Are There Lounges at Mangalore Airport?

Yes, Mangalore airport offers lounge facilities for eligible passengers including business class travelers and those with lounge membership programs, providing comfortable amenities and refreshments.