Why is Kalaburagi Airport Connectivity a Top Priority for Minister Ram Mohan Naidu?

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu recently faced pressure from the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, regarding a critical regional aviation issue. The encounter took place at the Parliament House entrance on Tuesday. Kharge pressed the Minister for an immediate timeline on the restoration of flight services at Kalaburagi airport in Karnataka. Air connectivity at the airport has been suspended since last October, causing significant hardship for the region.

The Kalaburagi Connectivity Crisis

Commercial flight operations at Kalaburagi airport halted abruptly on October 15. The suspension followed the discontinuation of services by Star Airlines on key routes. These routes included connections to major cities like Bengaluru, Tirupati, and Hindon (Delhi NCR). The flights were previously operated under the government's flagship Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN.

Local bodies, including the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KKCCI), have repeatedly flagged the issue. They have stressed that the lack of Karnataka regional connectivity severely impacts business, education, and medical travel. The airport, located in the Kalyana Karnataka region, is a vital administrative and educational hub. Its modern infrastructure includes Night Landing and Instrument Landing System (ILS) capabilities.

Ministry's Top Priority

During the brief but persistent exchange, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured Kharge that the matter was on the Civil Aviation Ministry's “top priority list”. He promised that services would be restored soon. Kharge, whose political base is in the Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) area, insisted on a specific timeframe. The Minister, however, only reiterated his assurance of a swift resolution.

Local representatives have urged the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to re-prioritize the airport. They seek the extension of RCS-UDAN benefits to ensure sustained and profitable airline operations. The scheme provides viability gap funding to encourage airlines to serve underserved airports.

Industry and Passenger Impact

Suspended flight operations create significant challenges for regional development. The sudden halt in service forces passengers to rely on longer, more inconvenient road and rail journeys. The impact on the regional economy is considerable, undercutting efforts to promote investment and tourism in the Kalyana Karnataka region. The Minister's public commitment highlights the political and economic urgency of the situation. Restoring air links is crucial for fulfilling the goals of the UDAN scheme. The aviation sector's overall growth depends on robust regional networks. The industry awaits a concrete announcement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation on the re-allocation of routes or the induction of new carriers.

• Suspension Date: Commercial services stopped on October 15, 2025.
• Key Airline: Star Airlines abruptly halted services on UDAN routes.
• Minister's Promise: Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed Kalaburagi airport air connectivity is a "top priority" for restoration of flight services.
• Scheme Focus: Restoration efforts are expected to involve re-prioritizing the airport under the RCS-UDAN scheme.

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