Shivamogga: Shivamogga, the gateway to the Malenadu region, is likely to lose its air connectivity soon. ‘Star Air,’ the last airline operating from Shivamogga Airport, has stopped accepting bookings and is expected to cease operations entirely starting November 21.
Key Reasons for the Cessation of Services:
Discontinuation by IndiGo and SpiceJet: IndiGo suspended its Shivamogga-Bengaluru route effective May 1, while SpiceJet halted its operations on June 9.
Low Passenger Numbers: A lack of adequate government support and encouragement, combined with passenger demand falling short of expectations, are the primary reasons for the discontinuation of services.
Financial Burden: The expiration of financial subsidies under the RCS-UDAN scheme has placed a significant burden on the airlines. Currently, over 200 staff members are employed at the Shivamogga Airport, with monthly salary and maintenance costs amounting to a staggering Rs 95 lakh.
Response from MP B.Y. Raghavendra
Commenting on this development, Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra… Raghavendra stated, “This suspension of commercial flight services is temporary. The Central Government is preparing for the UDAN-6 scheme, and the State Government has submitted a proposal to the Centre for 10 new routes from Shivamogga. There is an expectation that flight services will resume within the next two months.”
However, the cessation of flight operations at the airport—constructed by the government at a cost of several crore rupees—has dealt a setback to infrastructure development and tourism in the Malenadu region.