The Union Cabinet’s decision to give international airport status to Madurai airport in Tamil Nadu has drawn criticism from Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister MP Patil, who on Wednesday said the Center had ignored similar demands from the state for airports in Hubballi and Belagavi.
“The Narendra Modi-led central government has declared Madurai airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport, but has not taken a similar decision regarding Hubballi and Belagavi airports in Karnataka. This reflects a discriminatory and unacceptable approach. How can it be butter for them and lime for us?” Patel said in a statement. He added that the Centre’s approach raises concerns, noting that Karnataka had sought international status for its airports in the northern part of the state but had not received any response.
The Cabinet approved the proposal on Tuesday, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnao stating that the decision has been taken in view of the aspirations of the people of Madurai.
The state government wrote to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on June 24, 2025, requesting modernization of Hubballi and Belagavi airports, arguing that such a move would greatly benefit the North Karnataka region, the minister said. He added that the center has not yet responded to the request.
Patil also noted that the decision on Madurai may have been influenced by political considerations linked to the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu, but said the Center should not ignore Karnataka’s requirements.
He urged Union Minister and MP from Dharwad Pralhad Joshi, MP from Belagavi Jagadish Shettar and MP from Haveri Basavaraj Bommai to raise the issue with the Center and support the state’s request. “At least one of the two airports, Hubballi or Belagavi, should be declared an international airport. If both are modernized, it will be more welcome. The central government should recognize the state’s requirements,” Patel said.
In a separate development, Patel informed the Karnataka Legislative Council that the state government will take a final decision on the proposed airport in Kalyana Karnataka district after consulting the elected representatives of Ballari, Vijayanagara and Koppal districts.
Responding to a question from BJP member YM Satish, the minister said the government is exploring the possibility of setting up an airport at a location that can serve people from all the three districts. The final decision will be taken after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with representatives of the districts.
The idea of building an airport in Ballari was first mooted in 2010. About 900 acres of land was acquired and handed over to MARG Sri Krishnadevaraya Airport Private Ltd, Patel said. The Chennai-based company is building the project.
However, the contract was later canceled after the company failed to start work within the two-year period specified in the agreement.
He added that the government issued tenders in October last year to appoint a consultant to prepare a detailed report on the airport project.
Patel noted that residents of Vijayanagara and Koppal districts also sought establishment of airports in their areas. He added that establishing separate airports in each region may not be practical, and that the government is studying the option of identifying a location that can serve the three regions.
He clarified that the lands acquired earlier in Ballari for the project would not be returned.
Referring to the Centre’s UDAN scheme aimed at improving regional air connectivity, Patel said airports in the state were initially performing well under the programme. However, flight services from Kalaburagi and Bidar were later suspended due to low passenger numbers, though operations have since resumed at Bidar.
To improve viability, the state government has asked the Center to extend the duration of the UDAN scheme from three years to five years, he said.
Patel said the government wants to avoid creating infrastructure that remains underutilized. “In my view, Ballari airport should not become a white elephant,” he said.
Choosing a suitable location for the residents of Ballari, Vijayanagara and Koppal districts can help ensure adequate demand from passengers and make the project economically viable, he added.
