Belagavi Airport is set to observe Yatri Suvidha Diwas on Monday as part of a nationwide initiative by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to showcase its passenger-first approach and infrastructure advancements over the past decade.
Welcoming Passengers with Tradition
To mark the occasion, both arriving and departing passengers will be welcomed with a traditional tilak. The airport has organized cultural programs featuring local folk performances and passenger engagement activities such as quizzes.
Community and Health Initiatives
Community-focused events include a voluntary blood donation camp, free health check-ups, and eye screening camps for passengers, taxi drivers, and staff. A tree plantation drive will be launched under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
Recognizing Frontline Staff
Airport director S Thiyagarajan stated that the event aims to acknowledge the contributions of frontline staff. A felicitation program will honor housekeeping personnel and women employees from AAI, airlines, and security agencies. School students will be invited for an airport walkthrough and career guidance session under the civil aviation ministry's outreach program.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Growth
Over the past 12 years, Belagavi Airport has expanded connectivity under the UDAN scheme, now operating flights to major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The airport has handled over 51,000 aircraft movements and served more than 1.2 crore passengers, along with processing cargo in recent years.
Upgrades and Facilities
Infrastructure upgrades include extending the runway to 2,300 meters to accommodate larger aircraft and installing key navigation and surveillance systems such as ILS CAT-I, DVOR, and ADS-B. The airport has also supported local livelihoods by providing space for self-help groups to sell products under AAI's AVSAR scheme.
Passengers currently enjoy facilities like free Wi-Fi and improved amenities, while work on a new domestic terminal building with additional boarding bridges and aircraft bays is underway.
