Karnataka's ambitious regional air connectivity program is facing significant headwinds as multiple airports across the state report a substantial decrease in flight operations under the government's UDAN scheme.
The Vanishing Flights
Recent data reveals a troubling trend across Karnataka's regional aviation landscape. Hubballi Airport, once a bustling regional hub, has seen its flight count drop dramatically from approximately 28 daily services to just 14-16. Similarly, Belagavi Airport's operations have been halved, while Kalaburagi struggles with minimal traffic despite its modern infrastructure.
Mysuru's Connectivity Crisis
The situation is particularly concerning in Mysuru, where the airport has been reduced to a single operational route. "The Mysuru-Chennai route is the only one currently active," confirms an airport official, highlighting the severe connectivity challenges facing the cultural capital.
UDAN Scheme: Promises vs Reality
The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), launched with much fanfare to make air travel accessible to smaller cities, appears to be losing altitude in Karnataka. Multiple routes have been suspended or operate with reduced frequency, leaving passengers stranded and questioning the scheme's sustainability.
Infrastructure Underutilization
This decline in operations raises serious questions about the utilization of significant public investments in airport infrastructure. Several regional airports, equipped with modern facilities, now operate well below capacity, representing both an economic and strategic loss for the state.
Industry Perspectives
Aviation experts point to multiple factors contributing to this downturn, including operational challenges, market dynamics, and the post-pandemic recovery patterns that have disproportionately affected regional routes.
The current scenario underscores the need for a comprehensive review of regional air connectivity strategies in Karnataka to ensure that these vital transportation links don't become permanent casualties of changing market conditions.
