Airports in Tier-II cities and district headquarters have proved to be not financially viable after the end of the UDAN scheme, Industry and Infrastructure Development Minister M. B. Patil said in the Legislative Assembly on Friday.
Replying to a question by BJP member G. Janardhana Reddy, Mr. Patil said airports in Tier-II cities such as Kalaburagi, Bidar and Shivamogga are not financially sustainable after the completion of the three-year incentive period under the scheme, which provides concessional airfares to passengers.
Seven airports in Karnataka were operationalised under UDAN scheme connecting 118 routes
Across country
Noting that several airports located in district and divisional headquarters across the country are facing similar financial challenges, he said the airport at Bidar is currently operating with financial support from the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB). There has also been a demand to resume operations at the Kalaburagi airport with similar support from the Board, he added.
