Mangalore to Nagpur IndiGo Flights

  About Mangalore

Nestled amid the lap of the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, is this quaint paradisiacal city, Mangalore. It is the chief port city of the state of Karnataka and an important contributor to the economy as well as cultural heritage.

Best time to visit Mangalore

Mangalore's charming weather continues to stay between September and April, making it the best months to visit the coastal city. The humidity is minimal, and the temperature barely crosses beyond 30 degree Celsius, making it ideal for travellers. Summers do get too hot to handle as the humidity in the air soars. The monsoon is also quite unfavourable owing to the excessive rainfall that the city experiences. Perhaps skip the months July and August too. It is noted that the flight tickets to Mangalore drop during the off-season, which makes it convenient for travellers to visit the city.

Places to visit in Mangalore

Panambur Beach

The coastal city of Mangalore has a plethora of beaches to check out. However, the one that manages to stand out is the Panambur beach. In a popularity race among all the beaches in Mangalore, Panambur certainly takes the cake. Annually, the beach organises an International Kite Festival which witnesses a throng of participants and audience. There are other competitions like boat race, sculpture making contests and more.

Kudroli Gokarnath Temple

The Gokarnath Temple, also known as the Gokarnatheshwara Temple, has been built to honour Lord Shiva. With Dravidian-style architecture and gorgeous golden Gopurams, the temple's beauty is worth mentioning. Devotees often come here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva, who is known for his kind heart. By evening, the temple lights up the premise with yellow lights, adding to the aesthetic beauty of the structure.

Bejai Museum

A trip to explore a city is incomplete without a visit to the museum. At the Bejai Museum, you will be amazed by the collection of artefacts, weapons, coins and basically historical paintings and sculptures that depict the history of the city. The museum came into existence in 1955 and was founded by Col. VR Mirajkar. The city's museum is certainly an interesting trip that you should take up.

St. Aloysius Chapel

One of the main tourist attractions in Mangalore is the stunning white St Aloysius Chapel. People of faith visit the church to seek blessings while some who are marvelled by the pristine architecture take a tour of the church complex. Either way, the best part about the church is the setting and ambience. St Aloysius faces the sea, which brings forth a scenic backdrop. There are some lovely paintings within the church too that have been painted by Antonio Moscheni, an Italian artist.

Ullal Beach

While the Panambur beach's fame could attract far too many tourists, the Ullal beach would be able to give you the peace and tranquillity you've been looking for. The exquisite coast of the beach lined with palm trees is a scenic bliss that would stay in your memory. Although the beach is a few kilometres away from the main city, the calm and quiet ambience certainly makes all the travelling worth it.

Kadri Manjunatha Temple

The city does have a handful of temples and religious institutions. The Kadri Manjunatha Temple is more than ten centuries old and has been constructed in a classic Vijaynagari style. It's intriguing to note that there is some Buddhist-influenced architecture too that can be found in the temple premise.

Sultan Batthery

You will come across this suggestion to visit Sultan Batthery when you visit Mangalore. It is one of the most fascinating locations and has an interesting story too. The watchtower was constructed by Mysore prince Tipu Sultan to keep an eye on the ships that would possibly arrive to invade the city.

Things to do in Mangalore

Surfing

Mangalore has some enthusiastic water sports organisers who conduct activities like snorkelling, surfing and more. They are certainly making the most of their coasts by indulging in water activities. You can also do the same.

Indulge in Konkani-Mangalorean cuisine

Mangalore's food scene is simply top-notch. The variety of cuisine or the dishes from their own Konkani-Mangalorean roots is beyond amazing. You will be thrilled by the tastes and flavours the food has to offer. From Gajali's lip-smacking seafood to gadbad ice cream, the streets of Mangalore city are waiting for you to splurge on their cuisine!

Spindrift

Mangalore's very own brewery, Spindrift is one such place that you would totally enjoy if quaint setting with mindful music is your scene. It is the city's first brewery and enjoys an excellent reputation for amazing drinks and great food. Spindrift would easily be considered one of the best places in the city to unwind and relax.

A day at the Pilikula Nisargadhama

Pilikula Nisargadhama is a melange of educational entertainment which works for kids and adults. The vast complex has a zoo, an amusement park, a massive golf course, a heritage village and even a planetarium! You can use an entire day to explore the park and enjoy what they have to offer.

Food and Restaurants in Mangalore

As a coastal city, the staple food of Mangalore is undoubtedly seafood. However, as a city with multitudes of religious amalgam, the Mangalorean cuisine is also quite intriguing with the spice being the centre of attention. You can indulge in the lip-smacking Konkani-styled fish thali followed by the famous Gadbad ice cream during your trip to Mangalore. Mangalorean and Konkani seafood isn't the only thing that will keep you busy. There are some famous joints which also emulate the famous Goan dishes such as vindaloo, pork and more. Plus, eventually, as a South Indian city, there is bound to be the classic idli, vada, sambar cuisine that many adore.

To get the best of Konkani Mangalorean food, head straight to the New Taj Mahal Cafe, Machali Restaurant, Mangala Restaurant and Gajalee. Sagar Ratna is a famous chain of restaurants that you can find in the city. Indulge in some delicious Udupi cuisine with ragi dosas and neer dosas while sipping a glass of kaapi. Speaking of which, you should definitely visit Hotel Karthik for the exceptional filter kaapi with tuppa dosa. It would be a crime to leave the city without tasting the popular Gadbad ice cream at Pabba's Ice Cream Shop.

How to reach Mangalore (Transportation)

By Air

Mangalore International Airport is perched upon a hilltop and is 15 km away from the city centre. The airport witnesses numerous flights coming in and out from within India and overseas. Flights for Mangalore are aplenty, and it is the second busiest airport in Karnataka. Flight connectivity from Mangalore to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and Hubli are impeccable. Various domestic airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and SpiceJet have dedicated flights to Mangalore that fly daily. The domestic and international routes of Mangalore does witness air traffic as flights are coming in from within India as well as abroad.

Mangalore along with Lengpui and Kozhikode are the only three airports in India that have tabletop runways. For travellers, this would be quite the visual spectacle to see the flight land on a mountain plateau. The old terminal of Mangalore is used for direct international flights to Madinah in Saudi Arabia and is mainly reserved for pilgrims who undertake to go to Hajj. There are international routes from Mangalore connecting flights to Dubai as well. The flight connectivity from Mangalore to Middle Eastern countries as well as domestic cities is exemplary and hence, makes it one of the busiest airports. There are bus shuttle services from the airport to the main city. You can also take taxi cab services to reach the main city.

By Rail

The city also has a dedicated main railway station called the Mangalore Junction Railway Station. The railway is brilliantly connected with various cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Karwar, Delhi, Pune and more. There are express trains as well as mails. Due to the heavy demand that Mangalore-bound trains have, it is best to book tickets to the city in advance. You can also book a hotel ahead of your visit to Mangalore. Since the railway station is located within the city, transit around the main area of Mangalore is convenient. You can simply get a rickshaw or bus to take you around the city.

By Road

There are direct buses from various cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kochi, Ooty, Coimbatore, to name a few, that travel to Mangalore. Most of them are private-owned buses with AC and Non-AC Volvo options for the passenger to pick. You can even opt for sleeper or seater buses depending on which one is comfortable for you. The travelling time to Mangalore by bus is slightly high as it is in a corner. However, as long as you opt for a ride that falls in your schedule, you can reach without any hassle. Plus, the bus halts at various junctions within the city, so it is very convenient to the passenger.

  About Nagpur

Nagpur, popularly known to the country as the 'City of Oranges' is the second capital of the state of Maharashtra. With booming markets and extensive development, the city has played a vital role in contributing to the state as well as the country's economy. Nagpur also has an international airport which directly connects to Middle Eastern countries. The city is considered to be a winter capital for Maharashtra because of the pleasant drop in the temperature. With its unceasing development, the city's tourism is also seeing a tremendous ascent. Many hoteliers are coming up with accommodation options for travellers. You can book a hotel in Nagpur with a range of facilities for a comfortable stay.

Best time to visit Nagpur

Nagpur's climate is mildly humid and dry as it is away from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Being smack down in the middle of the country does come with some good perks in terms of the pleasant climate. The winters in Nagpur between October to March is considered perfect for travellers to visit the city. In fact, December and January have the best tropical winters that you can experience in the city. Sadly though, the summers are just as bad with temperatures shooting up to a fearsome 49 degrees Celsius during the day. Even though flight tickets to Nagpur during summer is cheap and affordable, it certainly would be a health risk and not ideal for a travel rendezvous.

Places to visit in Nagpur

Nagpur has been working towards improving its tourism and has done quite an excellent job with it. They built the Deeksha Bhoomi stupa in 2001, which is considered to be the largest stupa in Asia. The Buddhist monument is a place you should visit in Nagpur because of the calming vibe and energy that the site holds. Nagpur has quite a few tiger reserves with Pench Tiger Reserve being one of the well-maintained ones. It is easily one of the most interesting tourist attractions in the city thanks to the accommodation options it serves. You can actually book a hotel in Nagpur's Tiger Reserve and spend the night, possibly hearing growls of the big cats.

On the outskirts of Nagpur, there are a bunch of places that would pique a tourist's interest. Ramtek Fort and Temple are some of the iconic places. The fort and even the temple are known to be one of the spots where Lord Rama rested before commemorating his voyage to bring back wife Sita and defeating Ravana. The view from the fort though, is splendid. With its connection to the Hindu mythology, the place captures interests of a lot of devotees, who make sure to take the trip and check out the place.

Within the city of Nagpur, there is the famed Raman Science Centre, an educational complex with entertaining activities at your service. If it is a family trip, then you should definitely check out the science centre which explores secrets of the universe. It is in the city centre so travelling shouldn't be a concern. Usually, the Raman Science Centre hosts a lot of exhibitions and such events to attract enthusiasts to mingle.

It is interesting to note that Nagpur has quite a lot of Buddhist monuments and attractions. The Dragon Palace Buddhist Temple, located about 20 km away from the main city, sees Buddhists from around the world, come over to visit the temple. The setting of the temple complex is serene and soothing. There are areas reserved for meditation practices and gardens too, in the vicinity. The place certainly has a charm which makes it one of the best escapes from the city's hustle-bustle. You will be awestruck by the sheer beauty and serenity of the vicinity at the Buddhist temple.

Things to do in Nagpur

Nagpur's food culture might make you want to explore more of that space. Something we also recommend because you'll be amazed by the plethora multitudes of cuisines ready to blow your mind. However, the city's many lakes are also waiting for you to visit. You can take up camping at Ambnazari Lake as an option. The pristine lake with its serene surrounding would help you feel calm and composed. If camping is not possible, then you can always head to the Futala Lake and Gorewada Lake for a day picnic. The lakes see many tourists flock over regularly.

An interesting addition of things to do in Nagpur would be to visit the Japanese rose garden. The garden has been constructed and preserved by using techniques propagated by the Japanese natives, making it quite the place for cultural exchange. You can actually learn a few things and even purchase saplings from the place, if allowed. A designated tour guide would take you through the garden.

Food and Restaurants in Nagpur

Nagpur's fame might come from its vibrant variety of oranges, but food culture is quite incredible. You would expect the city to promote a certain speciality cuisine like many usually do. However, Nagpur is simply here to show you that they've got a taste for a global platter. From Moroccan to American, you'll find yourself amazed by their tasteful choices. The city does have quaint restaurants that offer the classic Maharashtrian delicacies that many enjoy. However, more than that, they have food joints and line of restaurants that offer more than just Indian cuisine. This growth has come about in the last few years.

If you're craving an English Breakfast in the middle of the afternoon, then you don't have to wait for the next day to explore options! Nagpur's The Breakfast Story caters to such cravings as it is an all-day breakfast setting. Interestingly, the restaurant changes its menu regularly with the classic breakfast dishes still intact on the menu. Nanking Mayfair's 3-decade long presence in Nagpur's food industry has given it quite the cult status among people. The Asian food served at Nanking is marvellous. Do check out their kung pao chicken when you visit the city! The city's best though is Zuree, a classy restaurant with fine dining scenes. From the plush location to the chic interiors to the plethora of dishes influenced by European, Italian, Moroccan and Indian cuisines, Zuree is certainly one place you shouldn't miss.

For some more fine dining setting, you can check out The Creative Kitchen by Radisson Hotels, Fountain Sizzlers & Bistro and Barbeque. As for those who want a simple yet sublime ambience, check out Thaat Baat, Veeraswami and Naivedhyam which proudly flaunt South Indian dishes.

How to reach Nagpur (Transportation)

By Air

Nagpur's Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport serves as a domestic as well as an international airport. The Nagpur airport has quite some historical significance for partaking in the Second World and also commissioning an intriguing "Night Air Mail Service". The service mainly focuses on four planes leaving prominent cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata with mail load in the night to exchange them at Nagpur. Flight connectivity to and from Nagpur is exceptional as it caters to several domestic as well as international cities. The domestic routes from Nagpur connect with cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, Indore and more.

Connecting flights from these cities to and from Nagpur are also available, making travelling to the city favourable. The city's airport caters to Middle Eastern cities by charting international flights from Nagpur to Sharjah and Doha. The domestic airlines serving from Nagpur airport include IndiGo, GoAir, Air India and TruJet. As for international airlines, the city has Air Arabia and Qatar Airways serving flights to and from Nagpur. The city certainly sees a good number of travellers travelling from flights. Airport shuttles are available if you book a hotel in Nagpur before arrival.

By Rail

Nagpur has quite the reputation for having one of the best-connected railways in India. The construction of the railway tracks overlapping each other to form a diamond cross-connects the city to every direction in India. There are myriad express trains that connect Nagpur to cities such as Bangalore, Trivandrum, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai and more. Travelling by trains is also considered to be suitable for travellers as the travel duration is also accommodating. The railway station is also well-connected to the city centre, making transit within the city easier. You can book a hotel in Nagpur, close to the station as there are bountiful provisions for the same.

By Road

The road connectivity of Nagpur to other cities is also excellent. The city is linked to some well-maintained national highways that help with the connectivity. There are intercity, interstate and intrastate bus services available to make transport convenient for people residing in Nagpur and for the ones visiting. From AC deluxe to ordinary non-AC, there are many options also that one can choose from to travel. Private bus providers have services reserved for Nagpur from cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Indore, Surat and more. Plus, tickets to Nagpur come at a reasonable price. The Nagpur Bus Sthanak and Mor Bhawan are the two bus terminals where all buses halt as a final stop.

  About Indigo Airlines

Indigo is the largest passenger airline in India and the oldest one, too, in terms of passengers that it carries and its fleet size. It operates about 1500 flights every day to 87 destinations, of which 63 are domestic, and 24 are international destinations. Its primary hub is at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Indigo commenced operations in 2006 and went on to become the largest India carrier by passenger market share in 2012. It connects to all major Indian cities and small cities like Aizawl, Agra and so on. Internationally, it connects to Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Tel Aviv, Malta, Paris, Dublin, Copenhagen, Zurich, Prague, Amsterdam, London, London Heathrow and Gatwick among others. Not only is it a low-cost operator in India, but it is also a low-cost airline globally. Indigo is also India's most preferred airline and for the right reasons. It offers great service at low fares and does not disappoint its passengers. It has grown to become one of the most trusted airlines in the country.

Indigo has a fleet size of more than 260 and has also been getting the 'Great Place to Work for in India' title for eight years in a row now. It was also given Aon's Best Employer in 2016 and 2017. It has been running profitable operations for ten consecutive years. It is considered as the most valuable and strongest airline brand in the country. In 2010, Indigo had replaced Air India as the third largest airline in India. In 2013, it became the second fastest-growing low-cost carrier in Asia after Lion Air, an Indonesian airline.

One of the specialities of Indigo is that it is customer-oriented, efficient and offers great services. It also offers low fares, which makes it one of the preferred airlines in the country. It is also one of the only airlines that connect to so many cities across the country. It operates to cities like Agartala, Aizawl, Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Belagavi, Aurangabad, Amritsar, Chennai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, Dimapur and the list goes on. Since Indigo is a low-cost carrier, it only offers economy class seating. However, you get to choose a seat of your preference in advance if you pay a little extra. There is no in-flight entertainment or pre-booked meals. You can buy your in-flight meals after the take-off, and you will be dependent on your own electronics and headsets to keep yourself entertained during the flight.

Fleet Size of Indigo

Indigo has one of the largest fleets of aircraft in the country, which enables it to run 1500 flights daily. It has 123 Airbus A320-200 in service that can accommodate 180 passengers. It also has 100 Airbus A320neo in service and ordered for 232 more, making it the largest operator. In addition to this, it has 15 Airbus A321neo aircraft in service that can accommodate 222 passengers each and has placed an order for 135 more aircraft of the same category. It also has 25 ATR 72-600 which can seat 74 passengers per flight.

In 2005, Indigo had placed an order for 100 Airbus A320-200 aircraft and commenced operations in 2006. In 2011, it placed an order for 180 Airbus A320 aircraft. It was a great year for the airline since it also got the permission to launch international flights that year. In 2015, it placed an order for 250 Airbus A320neo, which was the largest single order in Airbus' history. It made headlines quickly. In 2019, it placed another order for 300 Airbus A320neo aircraft and broke its own record. Later that year, it became the first Indian airline to operate 1500 flights daily. It also became the first airline to have a fleet size of 250+ aircraft. The Airbus A320neo and Airbus A320-200 have non-reclining seats, but there are a few seats that give you extra legroom. The ATR 72-600 has a twin-seat setting which not only gives you extra space but also gives you a lot of privacy. You won't have to sit next to a third stranger or sit uncomfortably.

Baggage Allowance

Indigo has certain baggage allowance restrictions that every passenger is expected to follow. You can carry cabin baggage that weighs up to 7 kg and check-in luggage up to 20 kg. However, for certain international destinations like Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Colombo, Kuwait and so on, the maximum limit on check-in luggage is 30 kg. If your luggage exceeds the maximum limit, you will have to pay a certain fee depending on the weight. You will also need to inform the airline staff a couple of hours before boarding the flight about the excess luggage so they can make the necessary arrangements. You can do so through the website or get in touch with the call centre. An executive will help you complete the process without any hindrance or complications. It is advisable to get your web check-in done in advance so you can sail through all the formalities at the airport smoothly.

If you are carrying bigger bags with you that have golf clubs or surfboard bags, you will have to pay approximately Rs. 1200 /- for domestic and Rs. 2500/- for international trips to accommodate it in the check-in luggage. Please ensure that you carry important things like medicines, electronics or perishable items in your cabin luggage. Portable chargers and power banks go in your hand luggage and not the check-in luggage. You will not have to check-in again to collect your bags if you have to board a connecting flight. The airline makes sure that you receive your baggage at your final destination. Please ensure that you are not carrying anything that has been prohibited by the airline like explosives, hazardous or flammable objects, sharp objects and electronics. You will also have to reach the airport a couple of hours before your flight so you can get through the security formalities well in advance.

In-flight Services

Indigo's in-flight services are quite limited. In fact, the airline does not have any in-flight entertainment services. Since it operates on low fares, it does not provide complimentary meals on any of its flights. However, you can buy meals on board. The airline does offer premium services like pre-booking seats, priority check-in and multiple cancellations at a higher price. You can also get your hands on Indigo's magazine called Hello 6E. With the increasing competition and passenger's will to pay extra for comfort and convenience, the airline is also bringing in new offers and services for its passengers. The airline had also announced its tie-up with SonyLiv in 2019 that it will provide to its passengers as in-flight entertainment. You can also check out their website to find out more services that are offered by the airline.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Indigo

Indigo connects to various domestic and international routes regularly. Indigo connects to 63 domestic destinations and 24 international ones. It got the permission to expand its operations internationally in 2011. The domestic cities that Indigo is connected to are Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Agra, Aizawl, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Coimbatore and so on. The international destinations include Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Colombo, Bangkok, Dubai, Dublin, Dhaka, Hanoi, Istanbul, London and so on. The airline is quite particular about punctuality, and there are rarely any delays in flights unless there is an emergency or bad climatic conditions. You can also lookup offers and services on their website to make sure you make the most of your trip. Since the airline has already ordered more aircraft, there are high chances that they will add more cities to the list. Indigo will definitely go on to breaking more records and even making some in the next few years.

Why Travel by Indigo?

Indigo is one of the most prestigious and low fare airlines in the country. It made its way to the top airlines in the country quite quickly and made sure that passengers experienced the best services at a minimal price. It is also one of the largest airlines in the country that operates 1500 flights to domestic and international routes daily. It connects 24 international and 63 domestic destinations. It has its major hubs at Chennai International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. You can check the Indigo flight schedule and your flight status on their website. The airline also makes web check-in quite easy for its passengers. The airline has also won several awards and accolades for its service over the years. Customers rarely have a disappointing experience flying with Indigo. If you are a frequent flyer, you might even get discounts and other offers while booking your next flight. Make sure you go through the offers on the airline's website. You can also get in touch with an executive at the call centre to know more about the offers.

  About Mangalore Airport

Mangalore International Airport serves as the second international airport in the state of Karnataka, aside from the Kempegowda International Airport of Bangalore. It is the second busiest airport in the state and serves to the coastal city of Mangalore in Karnataka. The Mangalore International Airport serves to domestic destinations as well as major Middle Eastern cities. The airport opened back in 1951 and was named as Bajpe Aerodrome. The former Prime Minister of Jawaharlal Nehru arrived at the Mangalore International Airport on a Douglas DC-3 aircraft. Located about 13 km away from the city centre of Mangalore, it is perched up a hilltop near Bajpe. The airport one of the three airports in India with a tabletop runway. Besides Mangalore, Calicut International Airport and Lengpui Airport are the only ones who have a tabletop runway. In 2012, the airport received its international stature after successful operations of Air India Express to and from Dubai. The Mangalore International Airport is known to charter flights for the Hajj pilgrims as well. The connectivity has been enhanced with flight services to major Middle Eastern cities, including Jeddah, Riyadh and more.

About Mangalore Airport Terminals

Mangalore International Airport has two runways and a single passenger terminal. However, for flights reserved for Hajj pilgrimage, the old terminal has been reserved. The terminal has recorded to be one of the biggest in the would accommodate about 34 million passengers in a year. The terminal has a ground level for arrivals as well as a first-level dedicated to departures. The terminal has the capacity to operate 26 domestic flights and about 52 international flights every week. An air traffic control tower has also been installed at the Mangalore International Airport. The first runway is made up of concrete. The second one is about 8,038 ft long and has acquired a taxiway that is parallel to the new runway. A route to connect the new terminal from the city has also been brought forth. This actually reduces the distance between the city centre and the airport by close to 8 km. An automated air traffic management system has also been incorporated at the airport that replaces the older inefficient system. The new system helps in providing flight safety, has direction finders and has perfect air-ground-data link alerts. This has been acquired to reduce the possibility of accidents on the runway.

About airport authority

Mangalore International Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India as well as Adani Group. Initially, the airport was owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). However, much later, the project bid was acknowledged and won by Adani Group. Several projects to increase the passenger volume and construction of new passenger terminal have been in the works. The two parties are also working on the expansion of the Mangalore International Airport to enable safer means of landing and passenger accommodation. The airport does have a bad reputation for being one of the most unsafe airports in the country. This is due to multiple accidents that have happened at the runway. This includes the infamous 2010 accident of Air India Express Flight 812, Boeing 737-800. The flight en route Dubai-Mangalore succumbed to a runway mishap which resulted in the death of about 158 people with only eight survivors. The accident resulted in the delay of expansion plans as newer proposals were asked to be submitted to avoid more possible casualties. From various expansion plans by the two bodies, runway lengthening has also been worked upon.

Facilities at the Mangalore Airport

WiFi: Mangalore airport has good WiFi connectivity. The main idea behind providing the service is to make sure that the people are able to receive good network and continue with their work commitments from the airport. Often many business professionals use the time at the airport after check-in to work on some emails and other work that require connectivity. Hence, the demand for a WiFi has led to the airport ensuring good network. While you can enjoy free WiFi for 30 minutes, you will have to pay for services exceeding the time limit.

ATMs and currency exchange: Mangalore airport sees a lot of tourists and travellers returning from the Middle East. They are basically families and professionals who have been working in the Middle Eastern countries. Due to this, it is necessary to have a foreign exchange counter at the airport. The currency exchange services can be availed at the arrivals and departures. The airport also has ATM kiosks to help people withdraw money so they can travel within the city. You can find the ATM kiosks outside the airport and are majorly operated by Karnataka Bank.

Information desk: Having an information desk is of utmost importance at an airport. The Mangalore airport also has dedicated information desks located at various junctions. The desk caters to all the questions regarding the airport facilities such as flights, schedules, boarding gates and more. You can also learn about the necessary places within the airport, including the medical centre and the smoking zone. A tourist counter is also available at the Mangalore airport. You will find tour guides to help you peruse through your options on what to do in the city.

Restaurants and cafes: There are a handful of restaurants and cafes that are available at the airport. You might not find a lot of prominent joints, but the few famous ones such as McDonald's and Domino's are available at the airport. The airport also has small joints for snacks and coffeehouses.

Child care facilities: The airport has child care facilities too. The room is specifically built to give mothers and infants privacy for feeding and diaper changing. The room is kept clean and sanitized to avoid the child from contracting any bad disease. Not to mention the room is also made to be comfortable for the mother. There are diapers and other baby products also available at the child care room, in case the parent runs out of them.

Prayer rooms: A devoted prayer room is also available at the Mangalore airport. The space is reserved for travellers to engage in religious practices. It is a shared space and does not have specific rooms depending on the faith.

Smoking zone: The airport also has a smoking zone reserved. There are enclosed rooms and lounges where you can smoke. You are not allowed to smoke anywhere else in the airport terminal but the smoking lounges. They are available at all the terminals in the airport.

Luggage: In terms of luggage, quite a few services are available. From lost luggage counters to baggage wrapping counters, these facilities are available at the Mangalore airport. You can ask for a baggage wrap before the check-in. There is a separate counter that you should approach to wrap your luggage with plastic. The main reason why people opt to do this is to ensure that the baggage is safe from mishandling, theft and other concerns. The airport also has trolleys available for you to take your luggage around.

Postal services: There are postal services available at the airport. You can avail the services to post documents and important letters.

Medical services: The airport has medical aid and services also. All airports must have medical services as part of their facilities to deal with medical emergencies.

Top airlines flying from the Mangalore Airport

Mangalore Airport has both domestic and international terminals. However, they do not have the international airlines flying from the city. However, they do have domestic airlines that cater to international destinations. Domestic cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hubli, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi and Coimbatore are connected with the Mangalore Airport. The airport witnesses domestic airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and SpiceJet. Interestingly, some of the domestic airlines such as Air India Express and SpiceJet, have international cities connected. Mangalore airport does see decent passenger traffic. A majority of their flights are reserved for international trips to cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Bahrain. The Middle Eastern countries see a lot of demand from Mangalore as many opt for cities in those countries for professional opportunities.

How to reach Mangalore Airport

Mangalore International Airport is known to be the second busiest airport after Bangalore Airport in Karnataka. The airport is about 13 km from the city centre of Mangalore. The tabletop runway is very popular in the country as it is one of the few to have the specific-styled structure. The best way to reach Mangalore airport is by booking a taxi ride. There are prepaid taxis and fare taxis available near the airport and in the city as well. There are prepaid taxi booths and counters available at both the terminals. You can make your cab bookings at the airport itself. The cabs will directly drop you outside the airport and vice versa. There are bus services also that traverse from the city to the airport. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has regular bus services from the airport and the Central Railway Station, making connectivity extremely convenient. There are no direct railway connectivity or stations close to the station. Hence, after the prepaid taxi, the bus is the second-best option to choose to reach Mangalore International Airport.

  About Nagpur Airport

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport or better known as Nagpur Airport is an international airport that serves the city of Nagpur in the state of Maharashtra. Situated about 8 km south-west of Nagpur in the town of Sonegaon, the airport was originally founded during the First World War as part of the Royal Air Force. The airport underwent renovation during World War II when it was utilised as a staging airfield by the Royal Air Force. Eventually, as the Britishers left the country following independence, the airport's management was transferred to the Indian Government. The new management expanded the terminal buildings and constructed a new building to install better facilities ranging from refreshments to restrooms. It covers an area of close to 1355 acres. Nagpur Airport was named after the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, BR Ambedkar. It handles about 7,500 passengers in a day and accommodates five domestic airlines and two international airlines. The airport is sprawled across 1,460 acres of land and is also the home of AFS Nagpur, which is part of the Indian Air Force. The growth in passenger congestion is a result of travellers who visit the city from the state capital, Mumbai.

About Nagpur Airport terminals

Nagpur Airport has only one new integrated terminal building that came into existence in 2008. The new integrated terminal building has the capacity to accommodate 550 arriving and departure passengers at peak hours. Further, as part of the terminal's upgradation, 20 check-in counters and 20 immigration counters have been installed by the airport authority. They have installed several modern amenities and facilities including passenger bridges with a visual docking guidance system, accommodation for 600 cars in the parking garage, eight parking bays for flights and newer baggage conveyor belts. An approach road has also been constructed to connect the new integrated terminal building with the main highway to enhance the city-side network. The domestic terminal is located on the gro9und level and has two boarding gates with an additional one that can be used during emergencies. The airport also has the capacity to hold about 325 aircraft operations for both departures and arrivals. A Hajj terminal is also present at the airport which is used seasonally when the airport hosts pilgrims to Jeddah.

About Airport Authority

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is owned by the Airports Authority of India while its operations are handled by Mihan India Private Limited (MIPL). The airport authority has made some significant changes in the upgradation and modification of Nagpur Airport for the better. The existing building has witnessed a massive change in terms of upgradation of amenities and expansion of facilities to cater to the passengers. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport received its new integrated terminal building in 2008, thanks to the works of the Airports Authority of India as well as MIPL. The Airports Authority of India also plans to construct a whole new control tower along with the technical block to help enhance the navigation facilities that are currently present at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport.

The airport authority, Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN), has been working towards introducing a massive economic project. It is recognised as one of the biggest economic development projects, in terms of investments, that is currently underway in the country. The project is divided into two parts, an international airport that would function as a cargo hub and a special economic zone (SEZ) inclusive of residential zones that would cover about 40.25 km² are in the southern end of the city. Multiple banks are financing the project as it has raked in a whopping INR 30,000 crore of investment. The target of the project is to serve 14 million passengers and handle a cargo of 0.87 million tonnes. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2035 and is estimated to generate revenues worth INR 5280 crores. The project kicked off in 2005 and since then, has seen a significant rise in property rates in Nagpur.

Facilities at the Nagpur Airport

WiFi - Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport offers unlimited free WiFi services to its passengers. The process to connect with the airport's WiFi network is quite simple and can be done in a jiffy. Not to mention how the internet speed is also quite decent.

Special assistance – Nagpur Airport has facilities to cater to the needs of senior citizens and disabled passengers. The airport has a set of trained staff who can provide special assistance such as escorting the passenger to the airport terminal, helping them with the baggage services, taking them through the procedures of check-in and security checks and much more. The staff stays close to the passenger until they board the flight.

ATMs – There are ATM kiosks that have been installed at the domestic and international airport terminals. You can make cash withdrawals and also get money exchange done at another counter.

First aid rooms – Medical services and first aid rooms have also been installed at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. The main idea behind adding medical services in the list of facilities is to ensure that any medical emergencies are taken care of immediately. Along with first aid rooms, the airport also has pharmacies placed in both the terminals. In case you need some specific medication, you can visit the medical stores and purchase the same.

Child care room – The airport has also made provisions for passengers travelling with infants. There are child care rooms that can be utilised for feeding and changing for the infants. The space offers privacy and is a healthy environment too. The parent can relax and help out the baby with the cleaning and feeding activities.

Baggage – Some of the baggage services that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport provides include baggage wrapping services, free trolleys, baggage storage booths, porter services and much more. The airport also has baggage reclaim conveyor belts and other such facilities that help to enhance the experience of the passenger.

Currency exchange – Considering how the airport also caters to international flight activities, there are currency exchange counters also added to the list of facilities. Nagpur Airport also provides decent exchange rates and also has provisions of money transfers.

Smoking areas – Dedicated smoking zones have been installed at the airport. Both the terminals have a smoking lounge to ensure that passengers do not light up a smoke in the public lounge space. The smoking zones are regularly cleaned and maintained perfectly well.

Duty-free shops – There are duty-free shops also available in the airport premise. You can purchase imported items at a very low and reasonable price. These can be taken back as souvenirs too.

Lounges - The airport has three lounge facilities available. Out of the three, two of them are located in the domestic terminal while the third one is located in the international terminal. Two of the lounges are recognised as Travel Club lounge, which basically enables many travellers to come over and enjoy the hospitality and services rendered by the facility. As for the third lounge, it is called Cinnamon Lounge. The perks of all the lounge are that they have a slew of facilities ranging from free WiFi to entertainment content that can be availed. There are fabulous restaurants that are part of the lounge facility. The food is phenomenal while the hospitality is exquisite. The seating is also quite comfortable, and the experience as a whole is comforting.

Top airlines flying from Nagpur Airport

Nagpur Airport is the second most important airport in the state of Maharashtra. Along with many domestic cities that the airline connects to, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport also caters to a few international destinations. Some of the important airlines that operate from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport include Air Arabia, Air Asia, AirAsia India, GoAir, IndiGo and Qatar Airways. These airlines connect to cities such as Sharjah, Delhi, Mumbai, Raipur, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Goa, Pune, Indore and Doha. With the expansion plans commencing, the idea is to add more airlines and cities in their list of connections.

How to reach Nagpur Airport

By Rail

The current Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport terminal is connected perfectly well with the Airport Metro Station of Nagpur Metro. The airport is one of the city airports in India to have a metro link connection. Located on the Orange Line of Nagpur Metro, the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport can be best reached by metro. The metro has scheduled trains to reach Nagpur Airport and has a frequency of 15 minutes. The city and the airport's metro connections make traversing within the city of Nagpur far more convenient.

By Road

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is right on the National Highway 44 and is connected by a six-lane highway. As a metropolitan city, Nagpur has local transport facilities such as taxi cabs and private rentals that can be availed from within the city to reach Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. You can hail cabs from the city to reach Nagpur Airport.