Belagavi Airport has received a total of ₹312.11 crore as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under the Government of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), the Ministry of Civil Aviation informed the Rajya Sabha.
Replying to Unstarred Question No. 977 raised by MP Iranna Kadadi on February 9, 2026, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol detailed the status of routes connected to Belagavi under the UDAN scheme.
Routes and Operational Status
Key routes operationalised under UDAN include:
- Belagavi–Jaipur: Operational under RCS
- Jaipur–Belagavi: Operational under RCS
- Belagavi–Ahmedabad: Operational as non-RCS (after completion of 3-year VGF tenure)
- Ahmedabad–Belagavi: Operational as non-RCS
- Belagavi–Hyderabad: Operated under RCS initially; now operational commercially/non-RCS in phases
- Hyderabad–Belagavi: Similar status as above
However, the Ministry also stated that 8 routes became non-operational after airlines shut down operations, while 16 routes ceased operations after completion of the three-year VGF period due to factors such as poor passenger load, aircraft availability issues, leasing problems, visibility constraints, and operational restrictions at VFR-only airports.
Hyderabad & Tirupati Connectivity
Under UDAN, the Belagavi–Hyderabad sector was awarded to IndiGo, SpiceJet and TruJet. IndiGo continued operations even after the VGF support period ended. Flights on the Belagavi–Tirupati route were operated by Star Air and TruJet.
Currently, Belagavi Airport is classified as a “served airport” under the UDAN scheme.
Tourism Impact
The Ministry noted that improved air connectivity under RCS has enhanced access to the Belagavi region, potentially boosting tourism to destinations such as Dudhsagar Falls and Gokak Falls, and contributing to regional economic growth.