Mangalore Airport

Mangalore International Airport (IXE), also known as Bajpe Airport, is the air gateway to the port city of the same name on the picturesque coast of the Arabian Sea. The airport is unique due to its location on top of a hill, allowing passengers to enjoy breathtaking views during takeoff and landing. It is one of the few airports in India featuring "tabletop" runways (situated on a plateau). Opened in 1951, today it is the second busiest airport in the state of Karnataka and an important transport hub connecting the region with major Indian cities and international destinations, predominantly in the Middle East.

Features and Services

Mangalore Airport offers travelers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The modern terminal serves both domestic and international flights. Passengers have access to duty-free shops, a variety of cafes and restaurants, currency exchange counters, and ATMs. For added convenience, the airport features baby care rooms, prayer rooms, and free Wi-Fi. The airport is also fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility.

• Official website: www.adani.com/mangaluru-international-airport
• Helpline number: +91 824 222 0400
• Address: Bajpe, Mangalore, Karnataka 574142, India
• Email: feedback.ixe@adani.com (for feedback and general inquiries)
• Social media: Follow airport updates and news on official accounts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
• Lost and Found Information: For lost items, you can contact the team via email at lostandfound.ixe@adani.com or by phone at +91 824 222 0400 (extension 551).
• Customer Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, it is recommended to use the main helpline number or the feedback form on the official website.

There are several ways to get to Mangalore International Airport (IXE) from the city center of Mangalore, allowing you to choose the most convenient option depending on your budget and preferences. The airport is located approximately 13-15 kilometers from the city center, and the journey usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, although travel time may increase during peak hours.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly way to reach the airport is by using state-run buses (KSRTC). Special bus routes run from central city points, such as the railway station and bus stand, directly to the terminal. This is an excellent choice for travelers without a lot of luggage who wish to save money. There is currently no direct rail or metro connection to the airport.

Taxi and Transfer. The most comfortable and fastest method is a taxi. You can use pre-paid taxi services directly in the city or book a car via mobile apps popular in India, such as Ola or Uber. This is particularly convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group. You can also pre-book a private transfer that will pick you up at your hotel and deliver you directly to the departure terminal.

Car Rental and Parking. If you prefer complete freedom of movement, you can rent a car. Several rental companies operate at the airport and in the city. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, convenient parking is provided where you can leave your car for both short and long terms. It is worth remembering that driving in India may be unfamiliar for tourists due to left-hand traffic and high traffic intensity.

If your travel plans are flexible, it is worth considering other airports in the region. Depending on your itinerary, Kannur International Airport (about 136 km), which serves a large number of passengers, or Calicut International Airport (about 233 km), one of the busiest in the state, might be convenient.

Mangalore Airport (IXE) is a modern and compact aviation hub with one integrated terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This structure makes navigation through the airport simple and intuitive, even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal building has two main levels. The Arrivals area is located on the ground floor. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control counters for international passengers, and an exit to the public hall where you can find taxi services, car rental counters, and meet arriving passengers. The Departures area is located on the first floor. To reach it, passengers take an escalator or elevator. This level houses airline check-in counters, followed by the security screening area and passport control for those flying abroad.

Since all operations are concentrated in one building, transfers between zones are not required, which significantly saves time and energy. After completing all formalities, passengers enter the common waiting area with boarding gates. Some gates are designated for domestic flights, while others are for international ones.

Check-in and security screening at Mangalore Airport generally proceed quite quickly due to its relatively small size. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time is sufficient to check in baggage without rushing, pass all checks, and find your boarding gate. Navigation through the terminal is simplified by clear signage in English and local languages, so it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The history of Mangalore International Airport (IXE), also known as Bajpe Airport, began on December 25, 1951. This event was marked by the arrival of a DC-3 Dakota aircraft carrying the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. Initially, the airport had only one runway, which, due to its location on a hill, received the unofficial name "tabletop runway".

Over the decades, the airport gradually developed. The first international flights, albeit irregular, began operating to Dubai in 2006, which was the first step towards obtaining international status. A significant stage in development was the construction of a new integrated terminal. It was opened in 2010 and allowed for a significant increase in capacity and passenger comfort levels. In the same year, a second, longer concrete runway was commissioned.

Unfortunately, the airport's history is marked by a tragic event. In May 2010, an Air India Express aircraft arriving from Dubai crashed. This incident drew attention to the specifics of "tabletop" runways and led to a global review and tightening of safety standards at airports with similar terrain.

Officially, international airport status was granted to IXE on October 31, 2012. This opened new opportunities for the economic and tourism development of the region. In recent years, airport management has been transferred to a private operator, giving a new impetus to infrastructure modernization, service quality improvement, and route network expansion. Today, Mangalore Airport is the second busiest in the state of Karnataka and continues to develop actively.

Mangalore Airport (IXE) offers passengers a full range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary for a pleasant start or end to your journey here.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops: Several food and beverage outlets are located in the terminal where you can grab a quick snack or have a full meal. Here you will find both cafes serving local cuisine and establishments offering popular international dishes and drinks. Duty Free shops operate in the departure area, where you can purchase perfumes, confectionery, souvenirs, and other goods.

Lounges and Wi-Fi: Comfortable waiting areas are equipped for all passengers. There are also VIP lounges and business lounges offering an enhanced level of comfort, snacks, and beverages for an additional fee or for premium cardholders. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations will allow you to stay connected at all times.

Financial and Medical Services: Financial matters can be handled at bank branches, currency exchange counters, or by using ATMs located in various parts of the airport. In case of unforeseen situations, a medical center is available in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

Services for Passengers with Children and Special Needs: Travelers with small children can use baby care rooms equipped with everything necessary for infant care. Special facilities are provided for passengers with disabilities, including ramps, elevators, and restrooms, as well as an assistance service and wheelchair provision upon prior request.

Hotels and Business Services: Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, there are many accommodation options to suit any taste and budget in the immediate vicinity. For business travelers, basic business services such as workstations and access to office equipment may be available in the VIP lounges.

The airport in Mangalore offers passengers diverse dining options, from a quick snack to a full meal. Catering establishments are located both in the public area (landside) and in the secure area after passing security control (airside), allowing you to refresh yourself at any stage of your journey. Most cafes and restaurants operate according to the flight schedule, serving passengers of early morning and late-night departures.

In the check-in area (landside), accessible to all visitors, you will find several cafes and kiosks. This is a great place to have a coffee or a snack while waiting for check-in. Here you can buy light snacks, sandwiches, and pastries. A quick snack, for example, coffee with a sandwich, will cost approximately 300-500 Indian Rupees.

The main selection of establishments is concentrated in the departure area (airside), after passing security control. A food court is located here, where you can have a more substantial lunch. Passengers are offered dishes of both international and local South Indian cuisine. A full meal, including a main course and a drink, will cost around 600-900 Rupees.

While in India, be sure to try local hits. At the airport, you can find Karnataka cuisine classics: dosa (crispy pancakes made from rice and lentil flour), idli (steamed rice cakes), and vada (spicy legume donuts). Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarian dishes are abundant here and form the basis of the menu. Many establishments also offer certified Halal dishes, but it is always best to verify this with the staff. Vegan and gluten-free options are harder to find, so it is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes in advance.

If you are in a hurry, coffee with pastries from a cafe in either zone will be the ideal choice. If you have time before your flight, we recommend visiting the food court in the airside zone. Here you can enjoy a hot lunch without haste, for example, by ordering an aromatic biryani or a traditional Indian thali — a set meal of several dishes that will give you a complete picture of the local gastronomy.

To ensure your journey through Mangalore Airport goes smoothly, make use of our tips. Planning ahead will help avoid stress and save time, allowing you to enjoy the anticipation of your trip around India.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2 hours before. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. Be ready to present your passport and ticket at the check-in counters. Security services at Indian airports work thoroughly, so remove laptops and other large electronic devices from your hand luggage in advance.

Hand Luggage. Standard rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp objects. All liquids must be packed in a single transparent bag. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand luggage. Before flying, be sure to check the baggage and hand luggage allowances on your airline's website, as rules may differ slightly.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you want to enjoy the views during takeoff and landing, choose a window seat. An aisle seat is more convenient if you need to get up during the flight. For passengers with transfers in Mangalore, it is important to clarify whether you need to collect your baggage and re-check it, especially when transferring from an international flight to a domestic one.

Customs Control. Upon entering the country, you may need to fill out a customs declaration. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying something that requires declaration, use the "Red Channel". This will help avoid fines and delays.

Saving Money and Flight Delays. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative to find out about the flight status and possible compensation (meals, accommodation). There are cafes and shops at the airport where you can pass the waiting time.