Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) president Sharanabasappa M. Pappa addressing the meeting of tours and travel agents at the KKCCI conference hall in Kalaburagi on Tuesday (June 2).
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Promoting the tourism potential of the Kalyana Karnataka region and improving air connectivity emerged as key focus areas at an interaction meeting organised by the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) with tours and travel agents here on Tuesday (June 2).The meeting, held ahead of the resumption of Star Air services between Kalaburagi and Bengaluru from June 10, brought together representatives of the tourism sector, travel industry and airline operators to deliberate on measures to boost tourist inflow, strengthen regional connectivity and position Kalaburagi as a gateway to the region’s heritage destinations.Deputy Director of Tourism Baby Moger, South regional manager of Star Air Sohail Ahmed, KKCCI president Sharanabasappa M. Pappa, honorary secretary Shivraj V. Inginshetty and Tourism Sub-Committee chairman Vinay Chikatwar attended the meeting.Mr. Pappa said the restoration of air connectivity after nearly eight months was a major achievement for the region. He noted that KKCCI had consistently pursued the issue with both the Union and State governments and appreciated the Karnataka government for extending Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support to revive the Kalaburagi–Bengaluru route. He also thanked Star Air for revising the flight schedule from evening to morning hours for the convenience of passengers.Mr. Pappa stressed the need for immigration facilities at Kalaburagi Airport to attract additional flight services and improve regional connectivity. He also urged the Tourism Department to actively promote the tourism potential of Kalyana Karnataka and thanked district in-charge Minister Priyank Kharge for supporting the restoration of air services through VGF assistance.Travel agents suggested introducing direct flights from Kalaburagi to destinations such as Goa, Tirupati, Delhi (Ghaziabad), Ahmedabad and Jaipur. Mr. Ahmed responded that Star Air had submitted a proposal to develop Kalaburagi as a regional aviation hub, which would enhance connectivity to multiple destinations. He promised participants that the suggestions received would be examined and the feasibility of adding new destinations explored in the future.Tourism Department representatives highlighted the region’s tourism potential, particularly destinations such as Sannati and Kanaganahalli, known internationally for their Ashoka-era heritage sites. They also suggested establishing a dedicated tourism information kiosk at Kalaburagi Airport to promote regional attractions.Sandyaraj, president of the Tours and Travels Association, urged Star Air to offer greater incentives and support to travel agents to help increase passenger traffic, while Kalyanrao S. Patil, chairperson of the Tourism Department at Sharnbasva University, sought internship opportunities for students in the aviation and tourism sectors. Published - June 02, 2026 08:34 pm IST
