In a bid to restore vital air connectivity between Western Maharashtra and North Karnataka, aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar has submitted a formal representation to Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, requesting the urgent resumption of direct flight services between Pune and Belagavi.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the disruption of regional air links following the discontinuation of IndiGo’s Hubballi–Pune route in the upcoming winter schedule. The cessation of this service risks leaving travelers from North Karnataka without direct flight access to Pune.
In the initial days, Alliance Air operated flights on the Belagavi–Pune–Belagavi sector under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. However, the airline subsequently suspended these services after the completion of the scheme, leaving passengers without direct air connectivity between Belagavi and Pune.
Critical Industrial and Defense Ties
Highlighting the strategic importance of the route, Vandekar pointed out that Pune serves as a powerhouse for automobile manufacturing, precision engineering, information technology, and vibrant start-up ecosystems. Belagavi, similarly, hosts an established industrial base in hydraulics, foundries, aerospace component manufacturing, and precision engineering. A direct flight would greatly facilitate travel for corporate executives, procurement teams, entrepreneurs, and industrial clients traveling between both hubs.
The sector is equally critical from a national defense perspective. Belagavi houses the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC), while Pune is the headquarters of the Southern Command, the National Defence Academy (NDA), and the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). Direct air connectivity would provide essential transit relief to armed forces personnel, officers, and their families.
Boost for Education and Healthcare
The route also caters to a massive demographic of students, professionals, and patients. Numerous students from North Karnataka pursue higher education and build careers across IT parks in Pune. Conversely, Belagavi is renowned for premier medical and educational institutions such as the KLE Society and Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, making direct travel indispensable for healthcare professionals, patients, and families alike.
Key Demands
In his memorandum to the Union Minister, Vandekar put forward three core requests:
- Airlines Consultation: Direct the Ministry of Civil Aviation to engage with eligible carriers, including IndiGo and Star Air, to restart direct flights between Pune and Belagavi.
- Initial Frequency: Target an operational schedule of at least four flights a week initially, subject to passenger demand and operational feasibility.
- UDAN Scheme Review: Explore the feasibility of supporting the Maharashtra–Karnataka inter-state border route under the regional connectivity scheme ‘UDAN’ or through relevant revised regional aviation frameworks.
Vandekar emphasized that a dependable Pune–Belagavi air corridor will significantly strengthen regional transport, industrial cooperation, and academic and medical access across state borders.
