Malnad’s Gateway to the Skies: Shivamogga Airport Prepares for Grand Takeoff
Bengaluru, August 29, 2023 : The eagerly anticipated inauguration of Shivamogga Airport is on the horizon, with the first flight set to touch down as scheduled on August 31.
The historic maiden flight will carry a host of leaders including ministers MB Patil and Madhu Bangarappa, former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, MP BY Raghavendra, and other notable public representatives hailing from the Malnad region.
Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil, in a press release on Tuesday, stated that the Shivamogga Airport will become the first airport run by the state government. “It is expected to contribute significantly to the economic, industrial, tourism, and educational development of the region”, he has opined
Minister Patil emphasized that the Shivamogga Airport will serve as a pivotal hub, facilitating seamless connectivity for the Malnad and Central Karnataka districts.
The inaugural Indigo flight, scheduled to depart from Bengaluru’s Kempe Gowda International Airport at 9.50 a.m., is anticipated to arrive at the Shivamogga Airport at 11.05 a.m. A celebratory Water Canon Salute is planned upon its arrival, as stated by Minister Patil.
He further highlighted the encouraging initial response to the flight service, with tickets already booked for the forthcoming three weeks. The commencement of this service will not only benefit Shivamogga but also extend its advantages to residents of neighboring districts such as Chikkamagalu, Davangere, Chitradurga, and Haveri.
Minister Patil revealed the future expansion plans, detailing the intent to establish direct flight services to prominent destinations including Delhi, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Chennai, and Goa. The endeavor to enhance air connectivity is further underscored by the initiation of a tender under the UDAN scheme to expand flight services from Shivamogga.
On Feb 27, 2023 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Shivamogga Airport along with various development projects that cost over Rs 3,600 crore in Shivamogga.
The new airport is developed at a cost of around Rs 450 crore. The Passenger Terminal Building of the airport is spread over 4340 sq. meters and can handle 300 Passengers per hour.
