Small city airports need rethink, says KSIIDC chief as Shivamogga eyes growth

The need to reassess airport infrastructure planning in smaller Indian cities has come into focus following remarks by the Karnataka State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) leadership. The chairperson has initiated a debate on whether smaller urban centers warrant dedicated airport facilities, raising questions about economic feasibility and resource allocation in regional aviation expansion.

While questioning the broader necessity of small-city airports, the KSIIDC leadership acknowledged that Shivamogga Airport represents a case with considerable potential. The airport, located in the southern state's Malnad region, has been identified as a viable prospect for development and operational success, suggesting that specific projects warrant individual assessment rather than blanket policy approaches.

The remarks reflect ongoing tension in India's aviation sector between expanding regional connectivity and ensuring financial sustainability of airport operations. Several smaller airports across the country have faced challenges in achieving operational efficiency and profitability, prompting stakeholders to examine business models and infrastructure investments more critically.

Shivamogga, a significant industrial and agricultural hub in Karnataka, has sought to leverage air connectivity to boost commerce and tourism. The KSIIDC's assessment suggests that with proper development, the airport could serve as a catalyst for the region's economic growth, though questions persist about the universal applicability of small-city airport projects across India.