Karnataka government explores moving Jakkur flight school to Mysore Airport,

The Karnataka State Government is reportedly evaluating a proposal to relocate the Government Flying Training School (GFTS) from Jakkur in Bengaluru to Mysore Airport at Mandakalli. An expert committee has been established to review the relocation plan and is tasked with submitting a detailed report. This consideration follows a November 2025 letter from the State Government to the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) expressing interest in the move, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly keen on the initiative for his hometown.

GFTS Jakkur, founded in 1950, stands as one of India's oldest flying institutions, situated on land originally donated by Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar specifically for aviation training. However, the potential relocation has drawn strong criticism from former MP Prathap Simha, who argues that converting Mysore Airport for flight training would significantly impede the region's future growth and tourism. Simha emphasized that Mysore Airport should remain a civilian facility, recalling his previous intervention to prevent its handover to the Indian Air Force for a helicopter training center.

The former MP warned that using Mysore Airport for GFTS operations would introduce restrictions, negatively impacting civilian flight operations and requiring extensive permissions. He highlighted Mysuru's role as a crucial tourist hub and a gateway to neighboring states and regions, asserting that any conversion would harm regional connectivity. Mysore Airport currently spans 507 acres, with an additional 150 acres acquired for runway expansion, funded by Rs. 319 crore released during Simha's tenure. He suggested alternative locations like Shivamogga or Hassan Airports, where such operational conflicts would be avoided.