#GatewayToGoodness: Adani Group takes over Mangalore airport

Mangaluru: The Adani Group has taken over the Mangalore International Airport on Saturday, October 31 and has commenced commercial operations there.

The airport was a state-run airport operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and now according to the ambitious project of union government of privatizing the international airport in the city, the management of the airport was taken over by Adani group of company. Though Adani group had taken over the management of the airport from the midnight of Friday, October 30, the official handover process took place on Saturday, October 31.

The top-level officials of Adani group arrived at the Mangaluru International Airport on the morning of Saturday. There will be a pooja before the handing over of the airport management. However, only few people will take part in the programme in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Welcome the #GatewayToGoodness in your lives. The Mangaluru International Airport family is privileged to serve you on your journey to let your dreams take flight. #travel #airport #aviation #Mangaluru,” read a tweet shared on MIA’s Twitter handle.

Mangalore is one of the six state-run airports that have been awarded to Adani Group after the bidding process under the first phase of airport privatization.

In November 2018, the union cabinet had decided to privatise six airports to increase their efficiency and quality. The airports will be given a lease period of 50 years. To invite greater participation, prior airport experience was not among the mandatory bidding criteria.