Flight service resumes at Kalaburagi Airport

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Afzalpur MLA M.Y. Patil, with other dignitaries, inaugurating Star Air flight service at Kalaburagi Airport on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Air connectivity between Kalaburagi and Bengaluru was restored on Wednesday with Star Air resuming its flight service on the route after it was made possible through financial support extended by the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB).

The resumption of flight services was marked by a simple function at Kalaburagi Airport with Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Chairman and Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima and Afzalpur MLA M.Y. Patil formally launching them.

They distributed tickets to members of the family of Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) president Sharanabasappa Pappa who were among the passengers on the inaugural flight from Kalaburagi.

The 76-seat Star Air flight arrived at Kalaburagi Airport at 7.40 a.m. after leaving Bengaluru at 6.30 a.m. with 74 passengers on board. The return flight left Kalaburagi at 8.10 a.m. carrying 50 passengers.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, KKRDB Chairman Ajay Singh said that the restoration of air services will help boost tourism, investment and economic activity in the Kalyana Karnataka region.

Air services between Bengaluru and Kalaburagi, as well as Bengaluru and Bidar, had remained suspended for several months. Following a meeting of Ministers from the Kalyana Karnataka region in March, it was decided to revive the services.

The total financial requirement for restarting the Bengaluru-Kalaburagi and Bengaluru-Bidar routes was estimated at ₹28.44 crore. Of this, KKRDB has agreed to bear 80% of the cost, amounting to ₹22.76 crore, while the remaining 20% will be met by the Infrastructure Development Department.

Star Air Airport Head C.A. Bopanna said that the flight service has received an encouraging response from passengers.

“On the very first day, nearly 90% of seats