Flight services from Kalaburagi and Bidar airports are likely to resume within a month, offering much-needed relief to residents of the two Kalyana Karnataka districts. Flights from Kalaburagi have remained suspended since October 15, 2025, while services from Bidar were halted on April 16, 2026. Star Air had suspended its Bengaluru-bound flights from both airports citing low passenger occupancy.
Viability Gap Fund to Revive Services
To revive the services, the state government has decided to extend a viability gap fund (VGF) of Rs 28.4 crore annually to Star Air. Officials stated that the required formalities would take at least 20 days, and if the process moves as planned, flight operations could restart within a month. Sources indicated that the suspension followed the end of the UDAN project phase-1, after which flight operations became commercially unviable. Although airports exist in both districts, air traffic was largely limited to VIP movements. Recognising the connectivity gap, the government has decided to extend VGF support through a grant from the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB).
Financial Burden and Approval Process
There is also a view that the state government and KKRDB should share the financial burden equally instead of placing it entirely on the board. A meeting of the KKRDB is scheduled for May 12, during which the grant is expected to be approved in line with the cabinet decision. Bidar airport had received VGF last year under the KKRDB's macro grant. Sources noted that when flights operated regularly from Kalaburagi and Bidar earlier, seat occupancy exceeded 85%. However, passenger interest declined after flight timings were changed and services were reduced to once every three days.
Challenges and Preparations
Sources also pointed out that escalating global tensions, including the Iran-Israel-US conflict, have pushed up aviation turbine fuel prices, which could eventually lead to higher airfares. Kalaburagi airport director Kishor said passenger facilities were fully ready. "Once Star Air staff arrive and take over the facilities, we will extend all support," he said. Kalaburagi district minister Priyank Kharge told TOI that the cabinet has taken a decision to release the VGF by the end of this month, paving the way for resumption of services.
