Bengaluru: In an effort to enhance air connectivity to six cities including Kalaburagi, Karnataka’s Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil held a meeting with senior officials of flight operator companies on Tuesday. IT/BT Minister and Kalaburagi District In-charge Minister Priyank Kharge was also present.
The key focus of the meeting was on improving flight connectivity to intra-state and inter-state destinations from Kalaburagi, Mysuru, Bidar, Hubballi, Belagavi, Vidyanagar (Jindal Township), and the newly developed Vijayapura Airport, which is ready for launch. Representatives from major airlines including IndiGo, Star Air, Air India, Akash, Alliance Airways, and SpiceJet participated in the discussions.
Both ministers pointed out that although the Kalaburagi-Bengaluru route has the potential to be profitable, it currently operates only three times a week. They urged airline operators to increase the frequency and extend connectivity to more key destinations within the state. Responding positively, airline representatives assured that steps would be taken in this direction.
Highlighting that Operation, Maintenance and Repair (OMR) costs are higher in metro cities, Minister Patil suggested utilising smaller airports for night halting and OMR services. He stated that the government is willing to waive parking fees if required. Minister Priyank Kharge added that efforts will be made to extend such facilities in Kalaburagi, to which airline companies responded positively.
Stressing the underutilisation of airports in Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Bidar, and Vidyanagar, Patil reiterated the need to enhance flight operations. Referring to the long delay by Star Air and Alliance Air in starting services from Kalaburagi he said, “Kalaburagi has potential as a tourism hub. Connecting it to cities like Pune, Tirupati, Chennai, and Mumbai can bring significant returns. Starting pilot routes could help gauge viability.”
He also mentioned the need to expand services from Mysuru Airport, suggesting new connections to Goa, Kochi, Hyderabad, and other cities.
Referring to Belagavi Airport, the minister said that while it currently handles 44 flights a week, there is a growing demand for a route to Pune, although current landing times pose a challenge. He added that there is an opportunity to launch services from Belagavi to Chennai, Kochi, and even Kalaburagi.
Discussing Jindal Township Airport, which presently operates only one route to Hyderabad, Patil highlighted its proximity to Hampi, a major tourist destination. He recommended introducing flights to Bengaluru and Goa to boost tourism in the region.
On the development front, the minister confirmed that Vijayapura Airport is ready for launch, pending environmental clearance from the Central Government. He urged airline companies to prepare for operations from the new airport.
Bidar-Bengaluru Flights to Resume from April 15
During the meeting, Minister Patil announced that Star Air will resume Bidar-Bengaluru flight services from April 15, which had been suspended earlier for unspecified reasons.
Push to Declare Hubballi and Belagavi as International Airports
Patil also stressed the need to upgrade Hubballi and Belagavi airports to international standards, directing officials to write to the Centre regarding the proposal.
“These two airports meet the criteria for international status and witness high passenger traffic. Currently, travellers from these regions must go to Goa to catch international flights. Upgrading these airports will greatly benefit a large number of commuters,” Patil explained.
The meeting was also attended by N. Manjula, Secretary, Infrastructure Development Department, Khushbu Goyal, Head of the Infrastructure Development Corporation, and Aravinda Galagali, Technical Advisor to Minister MB Patil.
