In a significant move to bolster regional air connectivity, the Karnataka government has formally requested the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to substantially extend the financial support period under the UDAN scheme. State Industry Minister M B Patil has advocated for increasing the viability gap funding tenure from the current three years to either seven or ten years.
The Core Request and Rationale
Minister M B Patil disclosed this development while addressing the Karnataka Legislative Council on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He confirmed that he had written to the Central Government with a dual proposal: to invite fresh bids from eligible airlines to continue operations or to directly extend the UDAN scheme's support framework. This plea stems from recurring operational challenges faced by flights under the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) initiative.
The minister argued that the existing three-year incentive period is insufficient for airports and flight operations to achieve sustainability. "If the three-year threshold is extended to seven or ten years, then it can help to sustain and expand the regional airports," Patil stated. He explained that airlines often halt services once the financial assistance ceases, especially if passenger traffic has not reached an optimal level within the short three-year window.
Trigger: The Kalaburagi Airport Closure
The immediate catalyst for this request was the shutdown of Kalaburagi airport. This followed the discontinuation of the sole flight connecting Bengaluru and Kalaburagi by Star Air. The issue was raised in the Council by MLC Thippannappa Kamakanoor, highlighting the direct impact of airline withdrawal on airport viability.
Patil revealed that he has personally discussed this matter with the Union Civil Aviation Minister. Furthermore, the Karnataka Chief Secretary has also sent a formal communication to the Union ministry echoing the state's concerns. The Civil Aviation Ministry, in a Parliament response on December 11, acknowledged that 14 UDAN-scheme airports nationwide are non-operational. Reasons cited include the completion of the three-year concession period, low passenger loads, aircraft shortages, and airline discontinuations.
Investment, Routes, and the Road Ahead
The scale of investment in Karnataka's regional airports under UDAN is considerable. Key developments include:
- Belagavi: Rs 20.88 crore
- Bidar: Rs 12.29 crore
- Hubballi: Rs 37.69 crore
- Kalaburagi: Rs 28.64 crore
- Mysuru: Rs 41.40 crore
- Vidyanagar: Rs 5.99 crore
Despite 71 routes being awarded in the state, only 33 are currently operational, underscoring the scheme's implementation challenges. The ministry clarified that Kalaburagi airport, closed after its Viability Gap Funding (VGF) tenure ended, remains eligible for re-bidding under UDAN.
The council debate also saw objections from Shivanand Patil regarding flight operations at Bidar airport, to which Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre responded, indicating the broader political scrutiny over regional air connectivity projects.
The Karnataka government's push for a longer funding horizon highlights a critical flaw in the current regional connectivity model: the assumption that routes can become self-sustaining in just three years. An extension, as proposed, could provide the necessary breathing room for demand to mature and ensure that substantial public investments in airport infrastructure do not turn into non-performing assets.
