Thu Jul 24 16:40:24 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Karnataka’s Minister for Industries and Infrastructure Development, M.B. Patil, met with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu to push for key aviation projects in the state. These include finalizing the location for Bengaluru’s second international airport, upgrading Hubballi and Belagavi airports to international status, and seeking approval for the launch of Vijayapura airport. Patil also requested that Karnataka be included as an active stakeholder in the airport asset monetisation program, citing the state’s significant financial contributions to airport development.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Presses Centre for Aviation Upgrades, Stakeholder Status in Airport Monetization**

**Delhi, July 24, 2025:** Karnataka is actively seeking significant advancements in its aviation infrastructure, as Minister for Industries and Infrastructure Development M.B. Patil urged Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu to expedite key airport projects in the state.

Top priorities include finalizing the location of Bengaluru’s second international airport, a project deemed crucial to handling the city’s growing air traffic. Patil stressed the importance of promptly reviewing the Airports Authority of India (AAI) expert team’s report on the three shortlisted sites. He also requested immediate clearance for the Vijayapura airport launch, pending environmental approval.

A major focus of the meeting was the proposed upgrade of Hubballi and Belagavi airports to international status. Patil emphasized the vital role these airports play in connecting North Karnataka with South Maharashtra and Goa, highlighting their capacity to handle significant passenger volumes and their existing night-landing and cargo facilities. He also pointed out that the two cities are important for education and industry. Upgrading them would be a growth for e-commerce and logistics.

Furthermore, Patil made a strong appeal for Karnataka to be recognized as an active stakeholder in the Centre’s airport asset monetisation program, which includes the proposed privatisation of 13 airports, including Hubballi. He noted the state’s considerable financial investments in airport infrastructure, including substantial contributions to runway expansions and land acquisitions at Mysuru and Hubballi airports. Patil expressed concern that despite these investments, Karnataka currently receives no revenue or equity participation from airports like Kalaburagi, which was entirely developed by the state government.

“A more equitable and participatory model would not only recognise the State’s significant contribution, but also ensure the long-term sustainability of airport infrastructure development,” Patil stated. The push for stakeholder status aims to ensure Karnataka benefits from the revenue generated by its airports and has a say in their future development.

Minister Patil was accompanied by Infrastructure Development Secretary N. Manjula and KSIIDC Managing Director Khushbu Goel during the meeting. The outcome of these discussions is anticipated to have a significant impact on the growth and connectivity of Karnataka’s aviation sector.

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