In a major push for civil aviation infrastructure in North Karnataka, Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar submitted a formal letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu at his office in the new Parliament building in New Delhi.
The memorandum called for upgrading Belagavi Airport into an International Airport, restoring daily flight operations by IndiGo, and launching direct flights to key economic hubs across India.
Key Demands Presented to the Civil Aviation Ministry
1. Upgrade to International Airport Status
Highlighting Belagavi’s rapid industrial, educational, and urban growth, the representation urged the Ministry to upgrade Belagavi Airport into an international facility. Upgrading the airport would significantly boost trade, tourism, and regional connectivity across North Karnataka, South Maharashtra, and Goa.
2. Restoration of Daily Flight Operations by IndiGo
Concerns were raised regarding IndiGo Airlines’ decision to reduce its flight frequency to and from Belagavi starting June 16, 2026:
- Bengaluru – Belagavi – Bengaluru: Currently operating only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in the morning, and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in the evening.
- New Delhi – Belagavi – New Delhi: Restricted to just three days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
This sharp reduction in flights has caused severe inconvenience to business travelers, students, patients, and the general public. The Minister was requested to issue appropriate directives to IndiGo to restore daily service on these vital routes.
3. Direct Flight Routes to Major Metros
To further expand Belagavi’s air connectivity, the memorandum urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to initiate direct flights connecting Belagavi with three major economic hubs:
- Chennai
- Pune
- Ahmedabad
Union Minister Assures Prompt Action
Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu reviewed all the submitted requests and assured that the Ministry would take prompt action to address the public’s flight connectivity issues and review the expansion proposals for Belagavi Airport.
