Karnataka’s tier-II airports have displayed contrasting trends in passenger traffic, reflecting a complex picture of regional aviation growth. Three airports—Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru—have reported an increase in passenger numbers over the past year, while Gulbarga, Belagavi, and Bidar have experienced declines. Aviation analysts attribute these patterns to a combination of factors including improved connectivity, increased tourism, regional economic activities, and airline route expansions. Airports with growing numbers have benefited from enhanced flight frequencies, better ground infrastructure, and proactive promotional efforts by local authorities to attract travellers and boost regional connectivity.
Mysuru Airport has recorded the highest growth among tier-II airports, with a marked rise in both domestic leisure and business travellers. Hubballi has seen steady increases thanks to its role as a hub for northern Karnataka and enhanced connectivity to metros like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Mangaluru’s airport growth is linked to robust tourist arrivals, especially international passengers from Gulf countries. Investments in terminal expansion, improved passenger amenities, and better logistics have contributed to the positive trends. Airlines are also adding flights to meet the rising demand, reflecting confidence in these markets and signalling potential for future route development.
Conversely, airports like Gulbarga, Belagavi, and Bidar have recorded declines in passenger numbers, raising concerns about underutilization and operational sustainability. Factors contributing to the drop include limited flight options, seasonal fluctuations, lower economic activity, and competition from road and rail transport. Local stakeholders are exploring strategies such as introducing regional connectivity schemes, offering incentives to airlines, and developing tourism-centric packages to revive passenger interest. Aviation experts stress that proactive planning and strategic investments are essential to prevent long-term decline and improve regional accessibility.
Growth Factors at Thriving Airports
Airports experiencing growth attribute the increase to improved connectivity, enhanced services, and rising tourism, particularly among domestic and Gulf-bound travellers.
Local authorities and airlines are coordinating to expand routes, increase flight frequencies, and provide better passenger experiences to sustain upward trends.
Authorities at Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru airports are also focusing on enhancing passenger amenities to maintain the growth trajectory. Improvements such as additional check-in counters, modern security screening, upgraded lounges, and efficient baggage handling systems have created a seamless travel experience. These upgrades not only attract repeat travellers but also encourage new passengers to choose air travel over road or rail alternatives, contributing to sustained increases in footfall.
The role of private airlines has been critical in shaping passenger trends at tier-II airports. Carriers are evaluating load factors, seasonal demand, and regional connectivity potential before launching or discontinuing routes. Mysuru and Mangaluru have benefited from competitive pricing strategies and promotional offers, which have helped fill seats consistently. Airlines are also exploring collaborations with tour operators to offer bundled packages, further incentivizing travel and supporting passenger growth.
Regional economic developments have had a significant impact on air travel. Hubballi’s growth, for instance, is closely linked to expanding industries and IT hubs, which generate a steady flow of business travellers. Mangaluru’s airport benefits from tourism-driven traffic, including domestic vacationers and international visitors from the Gulf region. Conversely, airports like Bidar and Gulbarga, with limited industrial or commercial activity, struggle to attract consistent passenger traffic, underscoring the link between local economies and airport utilization.
Tourism boards and local administrations are increasingly recognizing the importance of air connectivity in promoting regional travel. Campaigns highlighting heritage sites, cultural festivals, and natural attractions near Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru have been instrumental in attracting tourists. By aligning airport promotions with regional tourism strategies, authorities are creating a mutually reinforcing system where improved connectivity drives visitor numbers, which in turn supports local businesses and the aviation sector.
Infrastructure constraints remain a challenge for declining airports. Limited runway capacity, lack of night landing facilities, and insufficient passenger handling amenities at Gulbarga, Belagavi, and Bidar have deterred airlines from increasing operations. Authorities are lobbying for central government support to upgrade these facilities, hoping that improved infrastructure will attract more carriers and boost passenger numbers over the next few years.
Community and business engagement also plays a role in passenger trends. Local chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and industrial associations in Mysuru and Hubballi are actively promoting air travel among students, employees, and tourists. Corporate tie-ups for travel packages, student programs, and employee commuting solutions have contributed to steady passenger growth, demonstrating how stakeholder collaboration can positively influence airport performance.
Finally, experts suggest that a long-term strategy is essential to ensure balanced growth across Karnataka’s tier-II airports. While airports showing growth benefit from proactive planning, marketing, and economic support, those experiencing decline require targeted interventions such as route subsidies, infrastructure upgrades, and regional development initiatives. Achieving parity in passenger numbers across the state will require coordination between government authorities, airlines, and local communities to build a sustainable, resilient aviation ecosystem.
Challenges for Airports Seeing Decline
Declining passenger numbers are linked to limited flight options, low local demand, and competition from road and rail networks. Stakeholders are exploring incentives and connectivity schemes to revive interest.
Focused infrastructure upgrades and promotional campaigns are considered key measures to attract airlines and boost regional travel in affected airports.
The growth in Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru airports has also been supported by government initiatives under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. Subsidized routes and financial incentives for airlines have made it economically viable to operate flights connecting smaller towns to major metros. This has improved accessibility for business travellers, students, and tourists, contributing to consistent passenger growth. Local administrations have highlighted the role of UDAN in bridging the connectivity gap between tier-II cities and economic hubs.
Mysuru Airport’s surge in passenger numbers is closely linked to the city’s cultural and educational prominence. With Mysuru Palace, Dasara festivities, and numerous educational institutions attracting visitors, airlines have introduced additional flights during peak seasons. This seasonal surge has helped fill planes, maintain operational efficiency, and encourage airlines to sustain or expand services. The airport authority has reported that weekend flights see near-full occupancy, signaling strong demand for both domestic and international travel.
Hubballi Airport, serving northern Karnataka, has benefited from increased business travel. The region’s growing industries, particularly in textiles, agriculture, and IT services, have created a steady flow of corporate travellers. Airlines are responding by adding early morning and evening flights, aligning with business schedules. Additionally, Hubballi’s proximity to educational institutions and medical centres has led to a rise in student and patient travel, further boosting passenger numbers.
Mangaluru Airport’s growth is fueled by tourism and expatriate travel. The city’s coastal attractions, religious sites, and connectivity to Gulf countries have made it a preferred destination for international and domestic tourists. Airlines operating Gulf routes have reported high load factors, while domestic carriers are witnessing steady bookings for leisure travel. Infrastructure improvements, such as expanded lounges and parking facilities, have enhanced the travel experience, attracting more passengers.
In contrast, Gulbarga Airport’s declining passenger numbers are attributed to limited airline interest and low occupancy rates. Flights operate infrequently, reducing convenience for travellers and prompting them to opt for nearby airports or alternative transport modes. Local authorities are lobbying for better connectivity and marketing strategies to attract carriers, but the slow pace of implementation has delayed results. Passengers often cite scheduling conflicts and higher fares as reasons for avoiding flights from Gulbarga.
Belagavi Airport faces challenges similar to Gulbarga, including fluctuating demand and competition from road and rail networks. Despite occasional promotions and route expansions, passenger traffic remains below expectations. Authorities are considering partnerships with low-cost carriers and enhanced tourism campaigns to stimulate growth. Efforts are also being made to improve airport facilities, including seating, check-in processes, and security, to encourage more travellers to use air services.
Bidar Airport’s decline is particularly concerning given its strategic location in northern Karnataka. Limited connectivity, lack of awareness among residents, and minimal airline engagement have contributed to its underutilization. Stakeholders are exploring options such as introducing regional shuttle services, subsidizing routes, and coordinating with nearby cities to increase passenger inflow. Without timely intervention, experts warn that operational sustainability could be at risk.
Economic factors also play a role in passenger trends. Tier-II cities with robust industrial or tourism activity see steady air travel, while regions with slower economic growth experience lower demand. Airlines weigh profitability against operational costs, and airports with insufficient traffic struggle to maintain regular schedules. Local governments and chambers of commerce are therefore emphasizing integrated development plans to support aviation growth alongside regional economic expansion.
Promotional campaigns highlighting cultural, educational, and business opportunities have been effective in attracting travellers to Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru. Social media outreach, travel packages, and collaborations with tour operators have increased awareness and bookings. Airports are actively participating in tourism fairs and business forums to showcase connectivity advantages, aiming to sustain growth momentum and build long-term travel demand.
Experts stress that sustainable growth in tier-II airports requires a combination of infrastructure investment, airline incentives, marketing, and alignment with regional economic priorities. Airports experiencing growth demonstrate how coordinated strategies can enhance passenger numbers, while those in decline illustrate the risks of neglect and insufficient engagement. Karnataka’s tier-II aviation landscape thus reflects both opportunities and challenges in regional connectivity, with lessons applicable to similar airports nationwide.
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