Shivamogga Airport’s License Renewal Pending Amid Safety Concerns
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a license for Shivamogga Airport, which is set to expire on September 23 unless the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) renews it. A meeting on September 18 will determine the airport’s future amid safety concerns. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27, 2023, Shivamogga Airport underscores the challenges some regional airports face, despite Karnataka ranking third nationally in air passenger traffic.
Karnataka’s Airports: A Diverse Landscape
Karnataka boasts nine airports; Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru significantly contributes to the state’s air traffic, handling nearly 33 lakh passengers in July alone. Regional airports in tier-2 and tier-3 cities are also growing, thanks to the Union government’s UDAN scheme aimed at making air travel more accessible.
Mangaluru Airport Meets International Standards
Managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited, Mangaluru International Airport features a 2,450-meter runway and connects to eight West Asian and six domestic destinations. The airport is enhancing visibility for pilots and offers basic amenities and dedicated passenger services.
Belagavi Airport: A Historical Site with Growing Demands
Originally a Royal Air Force base, Belagavi Airport connects ten domestic destinations. Local frequent fliers seek more direct connections to major cities and improved ground services. Plans for expansion, including acquiring an additional 60 acres, are underway.
Hubballi Airport: Untapped International Potential
Hubballi Airport, the state’s fourth busiest, serves multiple domestic destinations. The government has approved ₹340 crores for terminal expansion to accommodate future growth. Industrialists advocate for its development into an international hub.
Mysuru Airport: Seeking Expansion
After a significant upgrade in 2010, Mysuru Airport operates limited flights due to its short runway. Extension plans are in place, pending land acquisition, to accommodate larger aircraft and increase flight operations.
Shivamogga Airport: New and Developing
Opened last year, Shivamogga Airport faces frequent cancellations due to poor visibility but plans to install night-landing facilities. It connects to Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, and Tirupati.
Kalaburagi Airport: Development Aspirations
Serving northern Karnataka, Kalaburagi Airport operates limited flights and seeks to resume services to more major destinations. Local business leaders push for international flights to stimulate regional development.
Bidar Airport: Struggling for Connectivity
Efforts to connect Bidar to Bengaluru have stalled due to low passenger traffic. Local officials are advocating for the resumption of services.
Vijayanagar Airport: Gateway to Hampi
Primarily serving JSW Steel staff, Vijayanagar Airport facilitates tourism to Hampi and operates flights to Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Future Airport Projects
Karnataka has plans for new airports in Ballari, Raichur, Hassan, Vijayapura, and a civilian enclave at Karwar. These projects aim to accommodate larger aircraft and enhance regional connectivity.
Conclusion
Karnataka’s diverse airport landscape illustrates varying levels of success and challenges, with significant ongoing and future projects poised to enhance the state’s connectivity and regional development.
(With inputs from Hemanth C.S., Raviprasad Kamila, Rishikesh Bahadur Desai, Girish Pattanashetti, R. Krishnakumar, Sathish G.T., and Kumar Buradikatti)
Published – September 13, 2024, 07:00 am IST
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/when-small-towns-take-flight/article68631507.ece
Category : Karnataka
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