Karnataka is intensifying efforts to transform its regional air network by seeking international status for two of its fast-growing airports and pushing for a second major aviation hub near Bengaluru.
In a renewed bid to boost passenger convenience and regional growth, the state has urged the Centre to upgrade the airports at Hubballi and Belagavi, citing increasing air traffic and the economic potential of northern Karnataka. The push aligns with Karnataka’s broader goal of decentralising infrastructure development and enhancing tier-2 city connectivity. At a high-level meeting held in Bengaluru, the state’s Infrastructure Development Minister underscored the need to recognise the growing demand from travellers in Hubballi and Belagavi, who are currently forced to rely on Goa or other metros for international flights. He noted that both airports had the infrastructure readiness and catchment strength to justify the upgradation.
The appeal to the Union Government is being seen as part of a strategic plan to position north Karnataka as a new economic growth node and ease congestion at larger gateways. Simultaneously, the Airports Authority of India has begun detailed site inspections to identify a suitable location for a second international airport for Bengaluru. Two sites along Kanakapura Road were reviewed on April 7, with a third location along the Nelamangala-Kunigal corridor scheduled for inspection. The development comes at a time when Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport is nearing saturation, having handled over 37 million passengers in the last fiscal. The need for a second airport has been a subject of debate for years, but the latest developments indicate growing consensus and political will.
While environmental assessments and feasibility studies will play a decisive role in finalising the site, the state government has made it clear that sustainability and long-term utility will be core evaluation parameters. Officials emphasised that the new airport would be designed to align with civil aviation needs, regional industrial growth, and climate-resilient planning. If approved, it would mark one of the largest aviation infrastructure projects in South India outside of metropolitan limits.
In a broader context, the state has also prioritised improving air services to six tier-2 cities, including Kalaburagi, with plans already underway to resume services between Bengaluru and Bidar. The renewed air connectivity push is expected to create ripple effects on business movement, trade facilitation, and tourism in regions that have historically been underconnected.
With the presence of the IT and BT Minister at the airline roundtable, the state government sent a strong message that robust air links are foundational to Karnataka’s next wave of economic expansion. By focusing on equitable regional development, Karnataka is not just building airports—it is laying the runway for inclusive growth, sustainable mobility, and a globally connected economy.
Karnataka government proposes international airport status for twin hubs in northern region
