FCC

Hubballi Airport to be expanded, air connectivity to improve

2023-06-15

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has given administrative approval for the extension of Hubballi city's terminal building, which would connect it to more metros in the country as well as neighboring countries in the next two years.

Flights are now available to Bengaluru (daily), Chennai, Mumbai, Dehli, Hyderabad, Pune, and more cities. Hubballi airport's air connectivity to other cities is gradually and steadily improving.

The existing terminal covers 3,600 square meters. The airport serves around 4.5-5 lakh passengers per year, with the current terminal serving 300 peak-hour passengers (150 arrivals and as many departures). The airport has facilitated travel to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and other metros for residents of northern Karnataka. This is the only airport in the area that is well-equipped.

AAI has sanctioned Rs 2.73 billion for the administrative approval of the terminal building extension. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi persuaded the central government to approve the terminal extension. According to Joshi, the extension will provide a significant boost to the development of the north Karnataka region. He stated that construction on the expansion will begin in January 2024 and last two years. The administrative approval and sanctioning of Rs 2.73 billion for the terminal building extension project has been granted by AAI headquarters, according to Hubballi airport director Pramod Kumar Thakre.

The terminal building will be 20,000 sqmt (ground+first floor) after enlargement, with all modern facilities and three aero-bridges. It could handle 1,400 peak-hour passengers (700 arrivals and 700 departures) after enlargement. An apron extension idea is also in the works.

A tender for the site's soil investigation has been issued. Following the completion of the drawings and structural specifications, the project will be put out to bid. He stated that the expansion work may begin as early as January 24 of next year and be completed in 24 months. According to him, the extension will provide a much-needed push to operate additional flights to other locations while also ensuring the development of this region.