Belagavi Airport Expansion 78% Complete; Capacity To Increase Fourfold

The expansion of Belagavi Airport is progressing steadily, with 78% of the work already completed, according to information presented in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of Civil Aviation. The project, being executed by the Airports Authority of India, aims to significantly enhance the airport’s infrastructure and passenger handling capacity. The question was asked by MP Rajya Sabha Iranna Kadadi. The development includes the construction of a new terminal building, extension and reconfiguration of apron bays to accommodate Code-C aircraft, along with allied works. Once completed, the airport’s capacity will increase from the current 0.8 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 3.5 MPPA. So far, an expenditure of ₹183 crore has been incurred on the project. At present, Belagavi Airport is connected to key domestic destinations including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Jaipur. The government clarified that airline operators independently decide routes based on commercial viability, following the deregulation of the aviation sector. Regarding international connectivity, the government stated that Belagavi Airport is currently designated as a domestic airport. Any proposal to upgrade it to an international airport—particularly for direct flights to Gulf countries—will depend on factors such as passenger demand, airline interest, bilateral agreements, and the availability of necessary infrastructure including immigration, customs, and advanced navigational systems.