Karnataka appeals to Centre to finalise location for second airport for Bengaluru
He also sought approval for the inauguration of the Vijayapura airport and urged the Centre to upgrade the Hubballi and Belagavi airports to international status, according to an official release.
Mr. Patil informed the Union Minister that an expert team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had already visited the three shortlisted sites for Bengaluru's second international airport, and their report was being awaited.
Regarding the Vijayapura airport, the Minister noted that the project is ready for launch, with only clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment pending.
Highlighting the importance of the Hubballi and Belagavi airports, Mr. Patil emphasised the need to upgrade them to international status in view of the region's development and to boost connectivity of North Karnataka with South Maharashtra and Goa.
Both airports were being equipped with terminals capable of handling 2,400 passengers an hour and could accommodate AB320 and A321 class aircrafts, respectively. They were also equipped with night-landing facilities and dedicated cargo terminals.
Belagavi, apart from being a defence location, is a well-known educational hub attracting international students, while Hubballi-Dharwad is rapidly emerging as an industrial zone. Granting international status to these airports would support comprehensive growth in the North Karnataka region and foster expansion in sectors such as e-commerce and logistics, Mr. Patil maintained.
Stakeholder status sought
He also appealed to the Centre to consider Karnataka as an active stakeholder in the airport asset monetisation programme. A more equitable and participatory model would not only recognise the State's significant contribution, but also ensure the long-term sustainability of airport infrastructure development, he stated.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is currently undertaking airport asset monetisation through public-private partnerships, including the proposed privatisation of 13 airports, such as Hubballi. However, despite Karnataka's key role in land acquisition, infrastructure development, and operational facilitation, it has not been granted stakeholder status in the monetisation framework, Mr. Patil highlighted.
He further explained that the State has made major financial commitments—over ₹319 crore for the runway expansion at Mysuru airport, an additional ₹101.81 crore for associated infrastructure facilities, and nearly ₹450 crore for the acquisition of over 600 acres for the Hubballi airport. Kalaburagi airport, entirely developed by the State government and later handed over to the AAI, currently generates no revenue or equity participation for the State, he pointed out.
Mr. Patil was accompanied by Infrastructure Development Secretary N. Manjula and KSIIDC Managing Director Khushbu Goel.
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