BJP MP Urges Action Against Airlines Over Canceled Belagavi Flights

BJP MP Iranna Kadadi on Friday urged the Union government to take strict action against private airlines that have suspended flight operations on eight routes from Belagavi's Sambra Airport, despite high passenger demand and strong load factors. He raised the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting reduced regional connectivity under the UDAN 3 scheme.

Under UDAN 3, Belagavi was meant to have connectivity to 13 cities through five airlines, but now only five cities are served by two carriers. Kadadi alleged that airlines discontinue routes once viability gap funding ends, regardless of sustained demand. He cited data showing 340,300 passengers passed through Sambra Airport in 2024-25, an 8% year-on-year increase, with load factors on key routes like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad ranging from 85% to 95%.

Belagavi, a strategic hub bordering Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa, hosts major defense, industrial, educational and medical facilities. Kadadi emphasized the need to restore flights to Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Jaipur, stating that reliable air connectivity is essential for trade, security and regional development. The airport, originally built by the Royal Air Force in 1942, continues to serve critical national and regional functions.

The MP called on the Ministry of Civil Aviation to enforce continued operations on viable routes and ensure accountability from airlines receiving public subsidies. The government is expected to respond to the parliamentary query in due course.