The Supreme Court has cleared environmental clearance hurdles for Vijayapura Airport, rendering the facility ready for operations, Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil said. He welcomed the verdict of a three?judge bench and said the airport could be inaugurated within three months if subsequent processes proceed as expected. The minister indicated that the decision removes a major legal impediment that had delayed the project. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has been directed to dispose of pending applications seeking environmental clearance, the minister said, and the state has already submitted the necessary application. He noted that once environmental clearance is granted, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will inspect the completed works before commercial operations begin. The minister recalled that a Supreme Court order of May 16, 2025 had caused difficulty for the project and that he felt relieved by the final verdict. The minister stated that more than Rs 6.14 billion (Rs 6.14 bn) has been invested in the construction of Vijayapura Airport. He said the investment reflects the state government’s commitment to improving regional air connectivity and to completing infrastructure works despite legal challenges. Officials are expected to complete administrative and safety certifications during the clearance process. The completion phase includes testing of navigation aids and verification of runway safety procedures by relevant authorities. Once operational, Vijayapura Airport is expected to significantly improve connectivity and provide a major boost to the Kittur Karnataka region as well as neighbouring districts. The state has aimed to ensure that requisite environmental and aviation norms are met before initiating passenger services. Authorities will coordinate with central agencies to expedite inspections and approvals so the airport can commence operations. Local officials also plan community outreach to inform residents about schedules and services once flights begin.