Aviation experts and industry stakeholders have raised significant concerns over the Karnataka government's reported move to relocate the well-established flying school from Jakkur in Bengaluru to Mysuru. The proposal, which is currently under discussion, has sparked debate regarding its impact on aviation training and the future use of the prime land in North Bengaluru.
Details of the Relocation Proposal
The plan, which came to light on 15 December 2025, involves shifting the flying training operations from the Jakkur Aerodrome to a location in Mysuru. While the government's official reasoning is not fully detailed, the move has prompted immediate scrutiny from the aviation community. The Jakkur facility has served as a crucial hub for pilot training for years, and its potential displacement is viewed as a major shift in the state's aviation infrastructure policy.
Future Plans for the Jakkur Land
Reports indicate that the vacated land at the Jakkur Aerodrome is being eyed for large-scale redevelopment. Proposals under discussion range from drone-related activities to substantial recreational infrastructure. This includes plans for a golf course and a comprehensive sports complex. The transformation of the aerodrome into a leisure and sports destination marks a significant change in land use for the area, which has traditionally been associated with aviation.
The discussion around these proposals suggests a strategic re-imagining of the space, potentially aiming to boost local tourism and provide new amenities. However, this has led to questions about the prioritization of recreational projects over specialized training facilities that contribute to the national aviation sector.
Expert Apprehensions and Broader Implications
Experts questioning the move highlight several potential issues. Relocating the flying school could disrupt ongoing training programs, create logistical challenges for students and instructors based in Bengaluru, and potentially dilute the institutional knowledge and ecosystem built around the Jakkur facility. There are also concerns about whether the Mysuru location will offer equivalent or better infrastructure for flight training.
Furthermore, the shift raises broader questions about urban planning and the preservation of dedicated training infrastructure in rapidly developing cities like Bengaluru. The replacement of a functional aerodrome with a golf course and sports complex is seen by some critics as a move that favors commercial and leisure interests over technical education and strategic skill development.
The report was highlighted by Naveen Menezes, bringing the issue into public discourse. As the proposals remain under discussion, stakeholders await clearer communication from the government regarding the rationale, timeline, and detailed plans for both the relocation and the redevelopment of the Jakkur site.
