The latest figures released by the Airports Authority of India show a decline in air traffic at Belagavi Airport for March 2026, with both passenger numbers and aircraft movements witnessing a notable drop.
As per the data, the airport handled 25,270 passengers in March 2026, compared to 28,370 passengers in March 2025, registering a 10.9% year-on-year decline.
Aircraft movements also fell significantly, with 350 movements recorded in March 2026, down from 420 movements in March 2025, reflecting a 16.7% decrease.
Cargo operations at the airport remained limited, with 2.3 metric tonnes (MT) handled during the month.
Key Highlights:
- Passenger Traffic: 25,270 (↓10.9% YoY)
- Aircraft Movements: 350 (↓16.7% YoY)
- Cargo Handled: 2.3 MT
Primary Reason Behind the Decline
The drop in traffic is largely attributed to reduced operations by Star Air, which has withdrawn several routes from Belagavi over the past year. Additionally, some remaining routes are not being operated consistently, leading to fewer available flights.
This reduction in connectivity has directly impacted both passenger footfall and aircraft movements, as Star Air has historically been one of the key operators from Belagavi.
The performance of Belagavi Airport in the coming months will depend heavily on the restoration of routes and increased flight frequency. The introduction of new airlines or expansion by existing carriers could help reverse the current trend and improve regional connectivity.
