Flight operations at Shivamogga Airport unlikely from November 21 as StarAir halts bookings

Shivamogga Airport, in operation since 2023, may see no flight activity starting November 21 as StarAir, the sole airline serving the location, ceases bookings. The airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had been accommodating flights to Hyderabad, Tirupati, and Goa. The halt in StarAir's bookings stems from the expiration of a three-year subsidy under the UDAN scheme on November 21.

Despite this, the airline has not confirmed whether it will halt or continue operations. SpiceJet, previously operating services to Chennai and Hyderabad, suspended its activities on June 9. IndiGo had also withdrawn its Shivamogga-Bengaluru service on May 1. The airport officials suggest any temporary lull from flights will be prolonged, anticipating a new UDAN scheme with a five-year term to commence soon.

However, the KSIIDC chairperson, S.G. Nanjayyana Math, expressed apprehension about the underutilization of the ₹450 crore to ₹500 crore investment, required to develop the airport on about 700 acres. The KSIIDC has proposed 13 new routes under the revised UDAN scheme, but the tender process for these routes is currently underway.