Shivamogga, Karnataka, India - The newly constructed Shivamogga Airport is expected to commence operations from August 11, with all pending works scheduled to be completed by July 20, as stated by M B Patil, the Minister of Large Industries and Infrastructure Development in Karnataka.
During a review meeting of new airports in the state, Minister Patil highlighted the remaining tasks, including the deployment of vehicles such as ambulances, the opening of a coffee cafe, and the hiring of technical and non-technical staff. He emphasized that meeting these requirements would enable the airport to be ready for commercial operations by July 20.
Notably, the Karnataka State Industries and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) has been granted permission by the Directorate of Civil Aviation to handle the operation and maintenance of Shivamogga Airport, making it the first airport to be maintained by a state government institution.
Furthermore, Minister Patil discussed the inauguration of the Shivamogga Airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27. He mentioned that during the state assembly elections campaign, the airport received approximately 20 air bus landings, resulting in an income of Rs 12 lakh. Patil expressed optimism that if all goes according to plan, the first flight from Bengaluru to Shivamogga Airport will take off on August 11. To commemorate this historic moment, prominent individuals, including public representatives, will be invited to participate.
In addition to reviewing the progress of ongoing works at Vijayapura Airport, Minister Patil expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a night landing facility at the airport. He directed the relevant officials to take necessary steps to incorporate this feature, which will require additional funding. The minister also assessed the advancement of airport projects in Hassan, Raichur, and Karwar. Moreover, he discussed the construction of airstrips at Dharmasthala, Kodagu, and Chikkamagaluru, as proposed in the recent state budget, according to a statement from his office.