Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) acknowledged the academic brilliance of class 10 and 12 students of Dakshina Kannada by organising an experiential airport visit for the district and State toppers on Thursday.

This visit, which offered the students a behind-the-scenes glimpse into an exciting world of airport operations, comes close on the heels of a similar visit organised for second-year pre-university examination toppers on May 7.

The visit was organised to mark the city’s tryst with civil aviation 75 years ago, when the first aircraft carrying the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru landed at the then Bajpe aerodrome on December 25, 1951. The airport has organised various programmes to mark the platinum jubilee of this historical event throughout the year, culminating in a finale planned for December 2026, a release from the airport said on Saturday.

The initiative was aimed at inspiring young achievers by providing them with a ringside view of the dynamic aviation ecosystem — from terminal operations to airside functions. During the visit, students saw key passenger journey touchpoints, security procedures, airline, terminal and airside operations, and the role the Central Industrial Security Force plays in ensuring airport safety and security.

The students gained insights into the airport’s focus on passenger experience, learning how terminal operations are designed to ensure comfort, efficiency, and satisfaction. A key highlight was their interaction with vital operational units such as Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting and Air Traffic Control, which play a crucial role in maintaining safe and seamless airside operations.

The excitement of the students soared when they understood the power and options that the newly acquired state-of-the-art crash fire tenders and rapid intervention vehicles provide. The students also witnessed an aircraft land, a helicopter take off, and a touch-and-go operation, which a military aircraft performed.

Senior leadership at MIA later shared valuable insights on the latest trends in the aviation sector, discussing enhanced passenger expectations and the diverse career opportunities that these expectations bring forth. The interaction for the students served as an eye-opener, encouraging them to explore careers in aviation and related fields, the release said.