Key Points
- Mangaluru’s IT sector is limited by poor global air connectivity.
- Efforts are in place to turn the city into a major IT hub with strong infrastructure and skilled workers.
- Current flights mostly connect Mangaluru to West Asia.
- Industry leaders are calling for more direct international flights and code-sharing agreements.
- Air India could help improve connectivity and support the growth of the IT sector.
Looma News
Coastal Karnataka is aiming to become a leading IT hub, using its solid tech infrastructure, skilled workforce, and educational institutions. But its growth is being slowed by limited global air connections. At a recent ‘Mangaluru Technovanza’ event, Kamal Karanth, co-founder of Xpheno, shared that foreign companies interested in setting up in Mangaluru often ask about international flight options. While Mangaluru has flights to West Asia, it lacks direct routes to other international destinations.
Right now, travelers from Mangaluru have to go through Bengaluru or Mumbai to reach further destinations, which can be a problem for smaller companies with global clients. In a meeting with Capt Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament for Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru’s IT taskforce highlighted the need for direct international flights to support the sector’s growth. They also proposed exploring code-sharing agreements with international airlines to improve global connectivity.
Rohith Bhat, CEO of 99Games Pvt Ltd and leader of Mangaluru’s Digital Economy Mission, emphasized the need to improve connections, particularly to West Asia. He suggested that Air India could play a key role by adding direct flights between Mangaluru and major West Asian hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These flights could make it easier to connect to Europe and the US. While Air India Express currently connects Mangaluru to West Asia, Bhat believes a move to Air India could greatly improve international access, benefiting both local industries and international visitors.
