Mangalore05 Sep 24 1 Traveller Economy
Showing 2 Bangkok to Mangalore Thai Airways Flights - Starting at Just ₹ 91470
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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 Thai Airways
Thai Airways International Public Co. Ltd., or popularly known as Thai Airways, is a national enterprise that caters as the national flag carrier airline of Thailand. The airlines came into existence in 1988 with its headquarters located in Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Chatuchak District of Bangkok. The airline primarily operates from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thai Airways is also known to be a founding member of the Star Alliance. Along with Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand, Phuket International Airport is the second hub to the airline. Thai Airways operates flights to 84 destinations sprawled across 37 countries in the world. It has a fleet of 90 aircraft or more. A majority of Thai Airways' international routes are dominated by flights flying to South and Southwest Asia, East Asia and Europe. Thai Airways is recognised to be the first Asia-Pacific airline that serves flights to London Heathrow Airport. With respect to its Asia-Pacific origin, the carrier is also known to have the largest passenger operations in Europe.
Thai Airways is subordinated by the Ministry of Transport and is a public enterprise registered in The Securities Exchange of Thailand. The airline is also funded by the Ministry of Finance which holds a whopping share of more than 50 per cent. Thai Airways' major revenue comes from passenger and goods transportation. In fact, 95 per cent comes from the flight operations to connect passengers and cargo, while only 5 per cent is earned through other supporting means. Other supporting ventures include passenger services, in-flight services, flight administrator services, travelling support services, in-flight meals and other services, etc.
It is believed that Thai Airways' major financial woes started due to the actions of buying every type of aircraft that was being created and manufactured. Investing in an array of diverse aircraft came with its expenses such as that of training professionals to work around the different models and engines. Not to mention how the aircraft also demanded some high maintenance. All this resulted in some financial concerns. While the expansion plans continued, the airlines also commenced its very first direct and non-stop flight to New York from Bangkok in 2005. This became the non-stop service to North America. Adding to the trend, the airline also introduced a flight to connect to Los Angeles with one stop service in Tokyo.
However, the services to New York were stopped in 2008, with the airline citing high fuel costs. They also stopped services to Los Angeles but reverted it again to the same on-stop phase connecting Seoul instead of Tokyo, as the route to LA. Further in its expansion plans, Thai Airways introduced non-stop flights from Phuket to Seoul-Incheon, Tokyo-Narita and Hong Kong. The airline has even launched a regional carrier called Thai Smile which has a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft to operate for domestic routes in Thailand.
Fleet size of Thai Airways
As of 2020, Thai Airways boasts a fleet of 74 aircraft which also comprises of six Airbus A380-800 and fourteen Boeing 777-300ER. A breakdown of the fleet includes around three to four Boeing 747-400, twelve Airbus A350-900, six Boeing 777-300, six Boeing 777-200, six Boeing 777-200ER, about three to five Airbus A330-300, two Boeing 787-9 and six Boeing 787-8. The airline maintains three maintenance centres namely, Don Mueang International Airport, U-Tapao International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance in Thai Airways differs for different classes. First-class or Royal First should weigh not more than 32 kg which can be divided into two bags. The dimensions of the bags are also important. For business class or Royal Silk, the weight cannot exceed 32 kgs and must or can be divided into two bags. The economy class also has the provision of two bags, but the weight cannot surpass 23 kg. These bags are allowed in the in-flight cabin. Dimensions for all the bags are 62 inches.
In-flight services
Royal First Class - Some of the fabulous in-flight services available in Thai Airways include an exquisite personal array of flavours that cater to all kinds of delicacies. All the delicious spread comes with a flute of fancy vintage champagne or one of your favourite cocktail or glasses of wine or drinks. From a platter of amuse-bouche to a choice of main course dishes, there are many good upscale dishes to look forward to. The seats of the first class have been refurbished in 2012 and are extremely comfortable. These are available on Airbus A380-800 aircraft as well as a select few Boeing 747-400 aircraft. They come with an enclosed suite-like structure to cater to the passenger's privacy. Not to mention how it also comes with some entertainment decks, contents of which you can check on the airline's website. There are magazines, WiFi connections as well as plug points for laptops and other devices.
Royal Silk Class - Royal Silk Class, also offers a lovely spread of food that would take passengers through a culinary experience. Thai Airways has in-flight meal services which range from intercontinental platters to regional meals. Individuals who have dietary restrictions will need to inform the airlines in advance. The food is accompanied by liquor as well as complimentary dessert and fruit. Royal Silk Class, also known as the business class, has an angled shell design seat. The seats have been refurbished, and the new seats have been installed in Royal Silk class of 777-300ERs. The reclining chair can be converted into the lounge as well as it extends to become a bed. The hospitality in the business class is just as good as the one in first class. The personalised seating arrangement is topped with USB ports for devices, 16 inch flat screens for entertainment and PC power points for charging batteries.
Premium Economy Class - Premium Economy Class comes with a hot meal and snack, primarily depending on the flight's duration as well as the time of the flight. The menu created by chefs of Thai Airways sees inspiration from Thailand's rich flavours. The food includes a salad, bread, fresh fruit or dessert as well as some a juice or hot beverage. Some of the Thai Airways flights also accommodate Premium Economy Class. These are a notch above the economy class, which has the amenities and in-flight services that are similar to economy class. You can surf social media and connect with the in-flight WiFi services also available in the cabin.
Economy Class - One of the best parts about Thai Airways' cuisine is that the in-flight meal services help support local farmers. The fresh ingredients handpicked by them are used to make food, which caters to economy class too, depending on the distance of the journey. Not to mention how the food also comes with the classic flavours of Thailand. You will need to make prior intimations to the airline if there are some food restrictions that you need. The economy class might not be blessed with exquisite details and services of the first-class or business class, but it also has enough facilities to make travel comfortable. There are lavatories located throughout the economy class for passengers. Plus, the in-flight services also include a personal pillow and a blanket. On request, the cabin crew also offers earplugs and eyeshades.
Popular routes and top cities for Thai Airways
The most popular international routes taken by Thai Airways is South Asia and Europe. Aside from these, the airline also has services to the Australian continent. Some of the popular cities that are connected to Thai Airways include. Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Bangalore, Brisbane, Brussels, Busan, Chendu, Chennai, Chuang Mai, Chiang Rai, Colombo, Copenhagen, Delhi, Denpasar Bali, Dhaka, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hanoi, Fukuoka, Guangzhou, Hat Yai, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Khon Kaen, Kathmandu, Karachi, Koh Samui, Kolkata, Krabi, Lahore, Kunming, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Luang Prabang, Madrid, Melbourne, Manila, Milan, Mumbai, Moscow, Nagoya, Muscat, Munich, Osaka, Oslo, Paris, Phnom Penh, Penang, Perth, Phuket, Rome, Sapporo, Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Taipei, Vientiane, Udon Thani, Vienna, Zurich, Xiamen and Yangon.
Why travel by Thai Airways?
Thai Airways is recognised for its excellent connection to various international cities in the world. As mentioned, some of the famous ones include London, Los Angeles, Zurich, Paris, Mumbai, Munich, Tokyo and more. With the airline providing services to such big international cities, it doesn't come as a surprise that many opt for them. The hospitality inclusive of in-flight services of Thai Airways is an experience unmatched. The first and business class cabins in Thai Airways flights take passengers through an unforgettable experience with their world-class services. It makes for all the price that the tickets cost. Speaking of which, you can book Thai Airways flights on various travel portals and agencies. This also includes their official website where you can get all the flight schedules to international destinations. Not to mention how you can also avail some great flight offers on Thai Airways' website. The array of aircraft offered by Thai Airways' fleet further adds to perks of choosing the airlines.
About Bangkok Airport
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is often referred to as Bangkok Airport. It is one of the two major international airports that serve Thailand. Although Don Mueang International Airport was also recognized for its international flight services. However, the same was halted in 2007. Now the airport serves as a hub to low-cost airlines that connect in Bangkok. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is sprawled across 8,000 acres of land and is one of the biggest international airports in the Southeast Asian region. It is also a hub for aviation in Bangkok.
Suvarnabhumi Airport was originally chartered with limited domestic flight services. However, it soon started expanding to add more domestic and international flights. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is currently the important hub for Thai Smile Airways, Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways. The airport basically serves as a regional gateway to several foreign carriers too. It has been recorded to be the 17th busiest airport in the world and 11 busiest in Asia. The airport has the capacity to accommodate about 60 million passengers in a year. There are over 95 airlines that operate from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
About Airport Terminals
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has three terminals in total. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are responsible for operations of international flights. Meanwhile, Terminal 3 is focussed on domestic flights to cater to connectivity in Thailand. The two terminals are located right next to each other while the domestic terminal or Terminal3 is 500 meters away from Terminal 2. The distance between the terminals is not massive. The proximity often makes it confusing. The departure and arrival zones in the international terminals have dedicated immigration counters as well as check-in and baggage to make it easy for the travellers. The terminal's roof has been designed aesthetically with the use of structural elements and bays that have been placed in cantilevered wavelike forms. The airport is capable of accommodating an Airbus A380. There are two parallel runways at the airport with a total of about 120 parking bays for flights. The passenger terminal is recorded to capacitate about 76 flight operations every hour. An underground rail link station has also been constructed to connect the terminal with the city centre. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport's terminal passenger terminal is famed for being the fourth-biggest building in the world, following Hong Kong International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport and Dubai International Airport.
About Airport Authority
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is funded and operated by the Airports of Thailand Public Company Ltd. (AOT). The airport's body is responsible for six international airport ventures in Thailand. Four more airports have been added recently under its wing. The statutory body received recognition as one of the most valuable airport operators across the globe. The organization was established in 2002 after a consortium between private firms and the state-owned Airports Authority of Thailand. The Thailand government holds a higher share in the consortium with about 70 per cent stock. The Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is the most profitable venture for the airport's authority with passenger statistics of about 63,379,077, as recorded in the year 2018. Over the years, the airport management has done a phenomenal job of efficient connection of the international airport with the city centre. They have also worked towards fixing some of the pressing matters to bolster the functions and efficiency of the airport in terms of safety and connectivity.
Top airlines flying from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
The demand for Bangkok in India as a tourist destination is quite high. Hence, there are several Indian airlines that operate from the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport as well. In fact, the first flight to fly to the Bangkok Airport was a Lufthansa Cargo which took off from Mumbai. Some of the Indian airlines that operate from the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport include Air India, GoAir, IndiGo and Vistara. They have direct connectivity and fly on a regular basis. Airlines such as Thai Airways and Thai Smile, which predominantly operate from Suvarnabhumi Airport also have direct services to Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi Ahmedabad, Chennai, to name a few.
As an international tourist destination, the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport also sees much air traffic from international flights. Some of the prominent airlines that operate from the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport include Air Astana, Air China, Air France, Air Macau, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cambodia Airways, China Airlines, Druk Air, EgyptAir, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Asia Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Srilankan Airlines, Swiss, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Vietnam Airlines and Ural Airlines. These airlines cater to various parts of the world and have impeccable connectivity. There are reservations for cargo flights to function from the Suvarnabhumi Airport. They are Lufthansa Cargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo, DHL Aviation and Singapore Airlines Cargo.
Facilities at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
ATMs and currency exchange - There are foreign exchange booths and ATM kiosks available at the airport. You can withdraw money or exchange to local currency to make your trip convenient.
Baggage - Baggage services are available with plastic wrapping and porter services. You can also find trolleys at regular intervals.
Internet and communication kiosks - There are internet kiosks that have established at the airport. You can get your work done while you wait for boarding. There are telecom desks where you can purchase local mobile SIM numbers to avail WiFi. Postal services are also available.
Restaurants and cafes - There are many food establishments and restaurants at the airport's terminals. The departure zone has a slew of joints, including ones with liquor and coffee.
Medical care - Medical rooms and pharmacies have been installed at regular intervals. You can make last-minute purchases of prescribed medicine, or you can get necessary tablets or toiletries.
Prayer rooms - Devoted prayer rooms and multi-faith corners have been established at all terminals. There are monks' reception rooms also available at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Transit hotels - To make the passenger's experience at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport good, they have also installed an in-transit hotel. You can check-in for the few hours you need to wait and even rest as much as you can.
Spa and massage - The airport is blessed with good serviced spas and massage parlours. For in-transit passengers who need to take a second flight or who need to wait due to layovers, can avail this service.
Smoking zones - There are dedicated smoking lounges in the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. These are available at all the terminals' departures and arrivals. You can even purchase boxes in case you need it for the time being.
Special assistance – The airport also has professionals who cater to the special needs of passengers who fall under the category of senior citizens, expecting mothers and physically disabled. The professionals have been trained to help out the individuals by enabling a smooth transition of their check-in and boarding processes.
How to reach Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
By Bus and car rentals
The Airport Shuttle bus operating from the city is another efficient way to reach the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. These buses have a direct connection to the airport from within the city, making travel cheaper and easier. Along with the buses, you can always book a ride to the airport too. There are five routes from the airport that have a direct connection with the Bangkok Airport. These routes connect from Bangkok's downtown as well as Chonburi Province, connections from North Bangkok and Bang Na Bang Pakong which stands at the South. The main entrance to the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport though is at the Samut Prakan Province. There are elevated highways and flyovers which need to be used to reach the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. You can find a car and rental booking booths at the airport's arrival segment. Even the entrance to the airport has a dedicated taxi counter where you can book your ride to the city.
By Airport Rail Link
One of the best ways to reach the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in 2010 after much delay but has since managed to receive good passenger traffic. Called the Airport Rail Link (ARL), the rail is operated by SRTET which is a subsidiary of the State Railway of Thailand. The long 28.6 km gauge line runs at an elevation for most of its length. The link directly connects to the passenger terminal building off the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. The rail services start at 6:00 in the morning till 24:00. There are two interchange stations called Phaya Thai and Makkasan which run on different lines, also available. The future plans to expand the airport is also in talks where the Airport Rail Link plans to merge and complement the SRT Red Line commuter service. This way, you wouldn't need to change the metro links to reach the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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.
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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 Thai Airways
Thai Airways International Public Co. Ltd., or popularly known as Thai Airways, is a national enterprise that caters as the national flag carrier airline of Thailand. The airlines came into existence in 1988 with its headquarters located in Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Chatuchak District of Bangkok. The airline primarily operates from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thai Airways is also known to be a founding member of the Star Alliance. Along with Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand, Phuket International Airport is the second hub to the airline. Thai Airways operates flights to 84 destinations sprawled across 37 countries in the world. It has a fleet of 90 aircraft or more. A majority of Thai Airways' international routes are dominated by flights flying to South and Southwest Asia, East Asia and Europe. Thai Airways is recognised to be the first Asia-Pacific airline that serves flights to London Heathrow Airport. With respect to its Asia-Pacific origin, the carrier is also known to have the largest passenger operations in Europe.
Thai Airways is subordinated by the Ministry of Transport and is a public enterprise registered in The Securities Exchange of Thailand. The airline is also funded by the Ministry of Finance which holds a whopping share of more than 50 per cent. Thai Airways' major revenue comes from passenger and goods transportation. In fact, 95 per cent comes from the flight operations to connect passengers and cargo, while only 5 per cent is earned through other supporting means. Other supporting ventures include passenger services, in-flight services, flight administrator services, travelling support services, in-flight meals and other services, etc.
It is believed that Thai Airways' major financial woes started due to the actions of buying every type of aircraft that was being created and manufactured. Investing in an array of diverse aircraft came with its expenses such as that of training professionals to work around the different models and engines. Not to mention how the aircraft also demanded some high maintenance. All this resulted in some financial concerns. While the expansion plans continued, the airlines also commenced its very first direct and non-stop flight to New York from Bangkok in 2005. This became the non-stop service to North America. Adding to the trend, the airline also introduced a flight to connect to Los Angeles with one stop service in Tokyo.
However, the services to New York were stopped in 2008, with the airline citing high fuel costs. They also stopped services to Los Angeles but reverted it again to the same on-stop phase connecting Seoul instead of Tokyo, as the route to LA. Further in its expansion plans, Thai Airways introduced non-stop flights from Phuket to Seoul-Incheon, Tokyo-Narita and Hong Kong. The airline has even launched a regional carrier called Thai Smile which has a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft to operate for domestic routes in Thailand.
Fleet size of Thai Airways
As of 2020, Thai Airways boasts a fleet of 74 aircraft which also comprises of six Airbus A380-800 and fourteen Boeing 777-300ER. A breakdown of the fleet includes around three to four Boeing 747-400, twelve Airbus A350-900, six Boeing 777-300, six Boeing 777-200, six Boeing 777-200ER, about three to five Airbus A330-300, two Boeing 787-9 and six Boeing 787-8. The airline maintains three maintenance centres namely, Don Mueang International Airport, U-Tapao International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance in Thai Airways differs for different classes. First-class or Royal First should weigh not more than 32 kg which can be divided into two bags. The dimensions of the bags are also important. For business class or Royal Silk, the weight cannot exceed 32 kgs and must or can be divided into two bags. The economy class also has the provision of two bags, but the weight cannot surpass 23 kg. These bags are allowed in the in-flight cabin. Dimensions for all the bags are 62 inches.
In-flight services
Royal First Class - Some of the fabulous in-flight services available in Thai Airways include an exquisite personal array of flavours that cater to all kinds of delicacies. All the delicious spread comes with a flute of fancy vintage champagne or one of your favourite cocktail or glasses of wine or drinks. From a platter of amuse-bouche to a choice of main course dishes, there are many good upscale dishes to look forward to. The seats of the first class have been refurbished in 2012 and are extremely comfortable. These are available on Airbus A380-800 aircraft as well as a select few Boeing 747-400 aircraft. They come with an enclosed suite-like structure to cater to the passenger's privacy. Not to mention how it also comes with some entertainment decks, contents of which you can check on the airline's website. There are magazines, WiFi connections as well as plug points for laptops and other devices.
Royal Silk Class - Royal Silk Class, also offers a lovely spread of food that would take passengers through a culinary experience. Thai Airways has in-flight meal services which range from intercontinental platters to regional meals. Individuals who have dietary restrictions will need to inform the airlines in advance. The food is accompanied by liquor as well as complimentary dessert and fruit. Royal Silk Class, also known as the business class, has an angled shell design seat. The seats have been refurbished, and the new seats have been installed in Royal Silk class of 777-300ERs. The reclining chair can be converted into the lounge as well as it extends to become a bed. The hospitality in the business class is just as good as the one in first class. The personalised seating arrangement is topped with USB ports for devices, 16 inch flat screens for entertainment and PC power points for charging batteries.
Premium Economy Class - Premium Economy Class comes with a hot meal and snack, primarily depending on the flight's duration as well as the time of the flight. The menu created by chefs of Thai Airways sees inspiration from Thailand's rich flavours. The food includes a salad, bread, fresh fruit or dessert as well as some a juice or hot beverage. Some of the Thai Airways flights also accommodate Premium Economy Class. These are a notch above the economy class, which has the amenities and in-flight services that are similar to economy class. You can surf social media and connect with the in-flight WiFi services also available in the cabin.
Economy Class - One of the best parts about Thai Airways' cuisine is that the in-flight meal services help support local farmers. The fresh ingredients handpicked by them are used to make food, which caters to economy class too, depending on the distance of the journey. Not to mention how the food also comes with the classic flavours of Thailand. You will need to make prior intimations to the airline if there are some food restrictions that you need. The economy class might not be blessed with exquisite details and services of the first-class or business class, but it also has enough facilities to make travel comfortable. There are lavatories located throughout the economy class for passengers. Plus, the in-flight services also include a personal pillow and a blanket. On request, the cabin crew also offers earplugs and eyeshades.
Popular routes and top cities for Thai Airways
The most popular international routes taken by Thai Airways is South Asia and Europe. Aside from these, the airline also has services to the Australian continent. Some of the popular cities that are connected to Thai Airways include. Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Bangalore, Brisbane, Brussels, Busan, Chendu, Chennai, Chuang Mai, Chiang Rai, Colombo, Copenhagen, Delhi, Denpasar Bali, Dhaka, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hanoi, Fukuoka, Guangzhou, Hat Yai, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Khon Kaen, Kathmandu, Karachi, Koh Samui, Kolkata, Krabi, Lahore, Kunming, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Luang Prabang, Madrid, Melbourne, Manila, Milan, Mumbai, Moscow, Nagoya, Muscat, Munich, Osaka, Oslo, Paris, Phnom Penh, Penang, Perth, Phuket, Rome, Sapporo, Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Taipei, Vientiane, Udon Thani, Vienna, Zurich, Xiamen and Yangon.
Why travel by Thai Airways?
Thai Airways is recognised for its excellent connection to various international cities in the world. As mentioned, some of the famous ones include London, Los Angeles, Zurich, Paris, Mumbai, Munich, Tokyo and more. With the airline providing services to such big international cities, it doesn't come as a surprise that many opt for them. The hospitality inclusive of in-flight services of Thai Airways is an experience unmatched. The first and business class cabins in Thai Airways flights take passengers through an unforgettable experience with their world-class services. It makes for all the price that the tickets cost. Speaking of which, you can book Thai Airways flights on various travel portals and agencies. This also includes their official website where you can get all the flight schedules to international destinations. Not to mention how you can also avail some great flight offers on Thai Airways' website. The array of aircraft offered by Thai Airways' fleet further adds to perks of choosing the airlines.
About Bangkok Airport
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is often referred to as Bangkok Airport. It is one of the two major international airports that serve Thailand. Although Don Mueang International Airport was also recognized for its international flight services. However, the same was halted in 2007. Now the airport serves as a hub to low-cost airlines that connect in Bangkok. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is sprawled across 8,000 acres of land and is one of the biggest international airports in the Southeast Asian region. It is also a hub for aviation in Bangkok.
Suvarnabhumi Airport was originally chartered with limited domestic flight services. However, it soon started expanding to add more domestic and international flights. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is currently the important hub for Thai Smile Airways, Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways. The airport basically serves as a regional gateway to several foreign carriers too. It has been recorded to be the 17th busiest airport in the world and 11 busiest in Asia. The airport has the capacity to accommodate about 60 million passengers in a year. There are over 95 airlines that operate from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
About Airport Terminals
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has three terminals in total. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are responsible for operations of international flights. Meanwhile, Terminal 3 is focussed on domestic flights to cater to connectivity in Thailand. The two terminals are located right next to each other while the domestic terminal or Terminal3 is 500 meters away from Terminal 2. The distance between the terminals is not massive. The proximity often makes it confusing. The departure and arrival zones in the international terminals have dedicated immigration counters as well as check-in and baggage to make it easy for the travellers. The terminal's roof has been designed aesthetically with the use of structural elements and bays that have been placed in cantilevered wavelike forms. The airport is capable of accommodating an Airbus A380. There are two parallel runways at the airport with a total of about 120 parking bays for flights. The passenger terminal is recorded to capacitate about 76 flight operations every hour. An underground rail link station has also been constructed to connect the terminal with the city centre. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport's terminal passenger terminal is famed for being the fourth-biggest building in the world, following Hong Kong International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport and Dubai International Airport.
About Airport Authority
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is funded and operated by the Airports of Thailand Public Company Ltd. (AOT). The airport's body is responsible for six international airport ventures in Thailand. Four more airports have been added recently under its wing. The statutory body received recognition as one of the most valuable airport operators across the globe. The organization was established in 2002 after a consortium between private firms and the state-owned Airports Authority of Thailand. The Thailand government holds a higher share in the consortium with about 70 per cent stock. The Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is the most profitable venture for the airport's authority with passenger statistics of about 63,379,077, as recorded in the year 2018. Over the years, the airport management has done a phenomenal job of efficient connection of the international airport with the city centre. They have also worked towards fixing some of the pressing matters to bolster the functions and efficiency of the airport in terms of safety and connectivity.
Top airlines flying from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
The demand for Bangkok in India as a tourist destination is quite high. Hence, there are several Indian airlines that operate from the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport as well. In fact, the first flight to fly to the Bangkok Airport was a Lufthansa Cargo which took off from Mumbai. Some of the Indian airlines that operate from the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport include Air India, GoAir, IndiGo and Vistara. They have direct connectivity and fly on a regular basis. Airlines such as Thai Airways and Thai Smile, which predominantly operate from Suvarnabhumi Airport also have direct services to Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi Ahmedabad, Chennai, to name a few.
As an international tourist destination, the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport also sees much air traffic from international flights. Some of the prominent airlines that operate from the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport include Air Astana, Air China, Air France, Air Macau, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cambodia Airways, China Airlines, Druk Air, EgyptAir, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Asia Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Srilankan Airlines, Swiss, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Vietnam Airlines and Ural Airlines. These airlines cater to various parts of the world and have impeccable connectivity. There are reservations for cargo flights to function from the Suvarnabhumi Airport. They are Lufthansa Cargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo, DHL Aviation and Singapore Airlines Cargo.
Facilities at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
ATMs and currency exchange - There are foreign exchange booths and ATM kiosks available at the airport. You can withdraw money or exchange to local currency to make your trip convenient.
Baggage - Baggage services are available with plastic wrapping and porter services. You can also find trolleys at regular intervals.
Internet and communication kiosks - There are internet kiosks that have established at the airport. You can get your work done while you wait for boarding. There are telecom desks where you can purchase local mobile SIM numbers to avail WiFi. Postal services are also available.
Restaurants and cafes - There are many food establishments and restaurants at the airport's terminals. The departure zone has a slew of joints, including ones with liquor and coffee.
Medical care - Medical rooms and pharmacies have been installed at regular intervals. You can make last-minute purchases of prescribed medicine, or you can get necessary tablets or toiletries.
Prayer rooms - Devoted prayer rooms and multi-faith corners have been established at all terminals. There are monks' reception rooms also available at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Transit hotels - To make the passenger's experience at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport good, they have also installed an in-transit hotel. You can check-in for the few hours you need to wait and even rest as much as you can.
Spa and massage - The airport is blessed with good serviced spas and massage parlours. For in-transit passengers who need to take a second flight or who need to wait due to layovers, can avail this service.
Smoking zones - There are dedicated smoking lounges in the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. These are available at all the terminals' departures and arrivals. You can even purchase boxes in case you need it for the time being.
Special assistance – The airport also has professionals who cater to the special needs of passengers who fall under the category of senior citizens, expecting mothers and physically disabled. The professionals have been trained to help out the individuals by enabling a smooth transition of their check-in and boarding processes.
How to reach Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
By Bus and car rentals
The Airport Shuttle bus operating from the city is another efficient way to reach the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. These buses have a direct connection to the airport from within the city, making travel cheaper and easier. Along with the buses, you can always book a ride to the airport too. There are five routes from the airport that have a direct connection with the Bangkok Airport. These routes connect from Bangkok's downtown as well as Chonburi Province, connections from North Bangkok and Bang Na Bang Pakong which stands at the South. The main entrance to the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport though is at the Samut Prakan Province. There are elevated highways and flyovers which need to be used to reach the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. You can find a car and rental booking booths at the airport's arrival segment. Even the entrance to the airport has a dedicated taxi counter where you can book your ride to the city.
By Airport Rail Link
One of the best ways to reach the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in 2010 after much delay but has since managed to receive good passenger traffic. Called the Airport Rail Link (ARL), the rail is operated by SRTET which is a subsidiary of the State Railway of Thailand. The long 28.6 km gauge line runs at an elevation for most of its length. The link directly connects to the passenger terminal building off the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. The rail services start at 6:00 in the morning till 24:00. There are two interchange stations called Phaya Thai and Makkasan which run on different lines, also available. The future plans to expand the airport is also in talks where the Airport Rail Link plans to merge and complement the SRT Red Line commuter service. This way, you wouldn't need to change the metro links to reach the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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.
