KKCCI seeks early resumption of flight services from Kalaburagi

The Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) has urged airlines to restart flight services from Kalaburagi Airport at the earliest, citing strong passenger demand and the region’s growing economic importance.

The demand was raised during a meeting with Mohammed Sohail Ahmed, Regional Sales Manager (South) of Star Air, who visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and held discussions on reviving air connectivity under the Centre’s Modified UDAN Scheme (UDAN 2.0).

During the interaction, KKCCI president Sharanabasappa M. Pappa and honorary secretary Shivraj V. Inginshetty said that the resumption of flights has been a long-pending demand and expressed the confidence that improved connectivity will boost trade, industry, education and healthcare sectors in Kalyana Karnataka.

The KKCCI office-bearers also submitted a memorandum to Mr. Sohail Ahmed urging him to restart services, noting that the airport is equipped with necessary infrastructure, including night landing facilities. It has previously seen successful operations under the UDAN scheme.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry leaders called for the restoration of the Kalaburagi-Bengaluru route and expansion of connectivity to major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Goa, Mangaluru and Ahmedabad.

They also stressed the need for both morning and night flight services to improve passenger convenience and enable better onward connections.

In response, Mr. Sohail Ahmed expressed interest in resuming operations from Kalaburagi, drawing on the earlier experience of operating flights from the airport.

To improve viability, KKCCI suggested adopting hub-based or hop routes linking Kalaburagi with key destinations through Bengaluru and Hyderabad, which can enhance passenger load and operational efficiency.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry also raised concern over high fares during earlier operations and proposed that ticket prices on the Kalaburagi-Bengaluru sector be capped below ₹5,000 under the UDAN framework to ensure affordability for common passengers.

“As part of our efforts to revive air services, we have reached out to several airlines, including Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, Fly Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air and Fly91, inviting them to consider operating from Kalaburagi,” Mr. Pappa told The Hindu after the meeting.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry met the Union Civil Aviation Minister in December 2025 and submitted a memorandum seeking restoration of flights. With the rollout of UDAN 2.0, it said that this is an opportune time to reconnect the region.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry reiterated its commitment to extending full support to airlines and authorities for early restoration of flight services.