Karnataka’s Chief Minister Basvaraj Bommai in his budget speech said that the government was developing five new airports. “Our government has undertaken a record number of five new airports in Shivamogga, Vijayapura, Hassan, Raichur, and Karwar. Shivamogga and Vijayapura airport work will be completed in this year itself.” He stated that administrative approval had been given for the construction of Ballari airport and that it would be developed under a PPP model through a competitive bidding process by beginning a new tender process.
For upgrading Mysuru airport, Rs 320 crore had been allocated. The construction of two new airports in Davangere and Koppal districts would also commence this year. “Feasibility report has already been prepared for the construction of airports in Davangere and Koppal districts. Steps will be taken to commence the construction work this year,” he said. Currently, Karnataka has eight functional airports operating commercial flights which are the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and airports in Mangaluru, Belagavi, Hubbali, Kalaburagi, Mysuru, Bidar, and Vijayanagar (Hampi).