Karnataka Formulates Aviation Policy Amid Flight Suspensions
Infrastructure Minister M.B. Patil announced a new state aviation policy after criticizing the Union government for flight suspensions at Shivamogga Airport.
Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil announced that the Government of Karnataka has formulated a comprehensive civil aviation policy to be presented at the next Cabinet meeting. The policy introduces financial assistance, viability gap funding, and improved management for state-operated airports to drive regional economic growth.
Patil attributed the suspension of flight services at Shivamogga Airport, effective November 21, to shortcomings in the Union government's UDAN-2 scheme. He noted that the Centre rejected state proposals to extend the scheme's duration and share operational costs. While Star Air has stopped bookings, IndiGo and SpiceJet have already withdrawn their services. To prevent further losses, the state is now directly managing airports in Shivamogga, Raichur, and Vijayapura.
Patil further criticized the Government of India for privatizing airports and failing to reimburse the state for the 1,000 crore rupees spent on Kalaburagi Airport. In a separate dispute, Patil accused Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of creating an ethanol crisis by allowing blending beyond prescribed limits without ensuring adequate procurement, causing storage overflows at sugar factories in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
