BENGALURU: In a bid to boost connectivity and ease travel for passengers, Karnataka’s Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil has urged the Union Government to upgrade the airports at Hubballi and Belagavi to international status. Speaking at a meeting with representatives of various airlines in Bengaluru, Patil stressed the ample passenger traffic in these regions as a strong case for the conversion.
“Both Hubballi and Belagavi are eligible to become international airports. At present, travellers from these regions are forced to use Goa airport for international flights despite the significant local demand,” Patil noted. He explained that declaring these airports as international would not only ease travel burdens on residents but also boost the state’s economic growth and global connectivity.
The proposal forms part of a larger strategy by the state to enhance air services to six Tier 2 cities, including Kalaburagi. Patil also informed that flight services from Bengaluru to Bidar, which were previously suspended, are slated to resume on April 15.
In related developments, a high-level team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) arrived in Bengaluru on April 7 to inspect potential sites for the construction of Bengaluru’s second airport. The new airport is a critical component of the state government’s plan to improve regional air connectivity as Bengaluru’s growing air traffic continues to strain current facilities.
The AAI team visited two sites along Kanakapura Road that have been identified by the state government. After the field inspection, they met with Minister MB Patil to exchange views on the prospective project. “The State Government intends to build the second airport with a clear understanding of Bengaluru’s civil and industrial needs. A final decision will be made only after the AAI team’s comprehensive site evaluations,” said Patil.
Adding a competitive edge to the state’s aviation ambitions, the meeting was also attended by IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge, emphasizing that enhanced connectivity is key for economic growth. The government’s move to boost air services does not only aim to reduce travel time and improve passenger convenience, it is also expected to spur investment into infrastructure and attract business to these regions.
On Wednesday, the AAI team is scheduled to inspect a third proposed site on the Nelamangala-Kunigal Road. This site, along with the other two, will be closely evaluated for factors such as land suitability, environmental impact, and the potential to support modern airport facilities.
As Karnataka charts a course toward transforming its regional airports, the developments promise significant improvements in air travel options for millions of passengers, paving the way for a more connected and economically vibrant state.
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