+
Karnataka Seeks New Airports as Hubballi Traffic Climbs
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Karnataka Seeks New Airports as Hubballi Traffic Climbs

As Karnataka intensifies efforts to boost its aviation infrastructure, Hubballi Airport is witnessing a sharp rise in passenger traffic, while nearby Belagavi struggles to maintain air connectivity. The state has proposed three new international airports, with top priority given to finalising a site for Bengaluru’s second international airport.
State Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil met Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ramamohan Naidu in New Delhi to push for faster clearances. Patil urged the Centre to expedite the Airports Authority of India (AAI) report evaluating three shortlisted sites near Bengaluru. Once finalised, the state plans immediate land acquisition and detailed project planning.
Patil also requested international status for Hubballi and Belagavi airports, noting both have modern terminals capable of handling 2,400 passengers per hour, night-landing facilities, and runways compatible with Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. He said these upgrades would benefit North Karnataka, South Maharashtra, and parts of Goa by improving air access for educational, industrial, and logistics needs.
The minister additionally sought expedited environmental clearance for the fully constructed Vijayapura Airport, awaiting final approval from the Ministry of Environment.
Meanwhile, the divergent performance of Hubballi and Belagavi airports underscores regional trends. In May 2025, Hubballi Airport saw a 37.1 per cent increase in passenger traffic year-on-year, while Belagavi recorded a 12 per cent decline, largely due to the withdrawal of Star Air and reduced UDAN scheme services.
"Hubballi Airport is proving that quality of service and strategic connectivity can win over volume," noted Koustubh Sanshikar, a member of the Hubballi Airport Advisory Committee.
As Karnataka advances plans for international upgrades and new clearances, its aviation landscape appears set for a significant transformation. 

As Karnataka intensifies efforts to boost its aviation infrastructure, Hubballi Airport is witnessing a sharp rise in passenger traffic, while nearby Belagavi struggles to maintain air connectivity. The state has proposed three new international airports, with top priority given to finalising a site for Bengaluru’s second international airport.State Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil met Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ramamohan Naidu in New Delhi to push for faster clearances. Patil urged the Centre to expedite the Airports Authority of India (AAI) report evaluating three shortlisted sites near Bengaluru. Once finalised, the state plans immediate land acquisition and detailed project planning.Patil also requested international status for Hubballi and Belagavi airports, noting both have modern terminals capable of handling 2,400 passengers per hour, night-landing facilities, and runways compatible with Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. He said these upgrades would benefit North Karnataka, South Maharashtra, and parts of Goa by improving air access for educational, industrial, and logistics needs.The minister additionally sought expedited environmental clearance for the fully constructed Vijayapura Airport, awaiting final approval from the Ministry of Environment.Meanwhile, the divergent performance of Hubballi and Belagavi airports underscores regional trends. In May 2025, Hubballi Airport saw a 37.1 per cent increase in passenger traffic year-on-year, while Belagavi recorded a 12 per cent decline, largely due to the withdrawal of Star Air and reduced UDAN scheme services.Hubballi Airport is proving that quality of service and strategic connectivity can win over volume, noted Koustubh Sanshikar, a member of the Hubballi Airport Advisory Committee.As Karnataka advances plans for international upgrades and new clearances, its aviation landscape appears set for a significant transformation. 

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Adani begins construction of Dharavi rehabilitation homes

Construction of rehabilitation homes for eligible Dharavi residents has commenced at the 22-acre Matunga railway site, following a Bhoomi Poojan ceremony performed by Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises (AEL). The project, being implemented by Adani Navbharat Developers (ANDPL), envisages 10 towers comprising 10,432 rehabilitation apartments and 1,379 commercial and industrial units.Under the in-situ rehabilitation scheme, eligible residents will receive homes measuring 350 sq ft. Residents from Sectors 6 and 1 will be accommodated at Matunga first, followed by nearly 4,500 apartments fo..

Next Story
Real Estate

Adani begins construction of Dharavi rehabilitation homes

Construction of rehabilitation homes for eligible Dharavi residents has commenced at the 22-acre Matunga railway site, following a Bhoomi Poojan ceremony performed by Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises (AEL). The project, being implemented by Adani Navbharat Developers (ANDPL), envisages 10 towers comprising 10,432 rehabilitation apartments and 1,379 commercial and industrial units.Under the in-situ rehabilitation scheme, eligible residents will receive homes measuring 350 sq ft. Residents from Sectors 6 and 1 will be accommodated at Matunga first, followed by nearly 4,500 apartments fo..

Next Story
Equipment

Seven Propel 470 HEV electric tippers go to work on coal haulage in Chhattisgarh

Propel EV, the electric mobility division of Propel Industries and India's No. 1 electric tipper brand, has deployed seven 470 HEV electric trucks with a leading coal-haulage contractor at one of India's largest opencast coal mines in Chhattisgarh. The trucks are in daily operation, moving coal on continuous haul cycles in one of the most demanding applications in Indian mining.Why Electric - and Why CoalCoal haulage runs round the clock: heavy loads, long haul cycles, steep ramps and abrasive dust. It is also where diesel hurts most. Engines run continuously, fuel is the largest single operat..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code