According to Iranna Kadadi, connectivity with Belagavi airport has been limited to just five cities served by two airlines. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
BJP leader MP Iranna Kadadi complained that private airlines stopped flights on eight routes and demanded action against them due to restrictions on air traffic.
The MP raised the issue during the zero hour in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
He urged the Union government to take strict action against airlines that have suspended services despite high passenger demand.
Belagavi was supposed to be connected to 13 cities through five airlines under the UDAN 3 scheme. But now the connectivity has been reduced to just five cities served by two airlines.
“Airlines seem to only provide service until they receive viability gap funding or subsidy from the government. Once the subsidy stops, service stops. They don’t take into account whether passenger numbers are low or high. This is not acceptable,” he said.
“Belagavi airport in Sambra has recorded 3,40,300 passengers in 2024-25, which is a 9% increase over the previous year. Load factors on routes to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad are between 85% and 95%. When flights are not running at more than 90% capacity and provide benefits even without stopover subsidy, Mr. Kaddi said.
Sambra Airport was built by the Royal Air Force in 1942. It serves a strategically important area bordering Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa.
Belagavi needs connectivity to important cities in other states as it has robust commercial and industrial facilities.
There are several defense establishments including Maratha Light Infantry, ITBP, Commando Training Center and Air Force Training Center.
It is also an important educational, medical and industrial centre. Hence, there is a need to resume flights to Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Jaipur and other cities from Belagavi, he said, according to the report.
Published – 10 May 2026 20:11 IST
