Report by Shuchi Giridhar
The Shivamogga Airport in Karnataka was inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 27th February 2023. The day of inauguration was also former chief minister Yediyurappa’s birthday. Yediyurappa grew up in Shivamogga district. The new airport is the ninth airport in Karnataka.
The airport will help boost air connectivity of central Karnataka. The airport was built at an expense of Rs 450 crore. The passenger terminal, which is in shape of a lotus, can hold up to 300 passengers at a time. The Member of Parliament from Shivamogga constituency, Shri B. Y. Raghavendra, said that the industries of tourism, IT, and dairy will benefit from the airport.
The state government will manage the Shivamogga airport which is the first airport in Karnataka to be maintained by the state government and controlled by the Civil Aviation ministry.
Permission to operate commercial flights and private aircrafts from Shivamogga airport has been given ahead of time by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
On trial basis, an aircraft from the Indian Air force landed at the airport on 22nd February, after getting permission from the DGCA.