Karnataka Infrastructure Minister MB Patil has called for upgrading the Hubballi and Belagavi airports to international standards, citing rapid growth in passenger traffic and increasing regional demand. In a Tuesday meeting with senior airline executives, Patil instructed officials to submit a formal proposal to the Centre, recommending international status for the two airports.
“These two airports meet the necessary criteria and are witnessing high passenger volumes. Travelers from these regions are forced to go to Goa for international flights. Granting international status will ease travel and significantly benefit thousands of commuters,” Patil told airline representatives.
Regarding Belagavi, which currently handles 44 flights a week, Patil pointed out the need for a direct flight to Pune—though current landing slots are a constraint. He also proposed new routes from Belagavi to Chennai, Kochi, and Kalaburagi.
The meeting also saw discussions on improving intra-state and inter-state air connectivity from Kalaburagi, Mysuru, Bidar, Hubballi, Belagavi, Vidyanagar (Jindal Township), and the soon-to-be-launched Vijayapura Airport. Kalaburagi District In-charge Minister Priyank Kharge was also present.
Responding to the suggestions, representatives from IndiGo, Star Air, Air India, Akash, Alliance Air, and SpiceJet expressed their willingness to explore new routes and increase frequency. Patil also offered government support, including a possible waiver on parking fees and incentives for night halts and maintenance services at smaller airports, where operating costs are lower compared to metro cities.