The Karnataka government is planning on establishing its own airlines to improve aircraft connectivity within the state. According to reports, the government considers that having airports in all districts of the state might boost economic activity.The official statement MB Patil, minister for Industries and commerce, said, “We have a plan to introduce state-run airlines, and we are taking suggestions from business experts. It is not an impossible task, and if implemented, it would be a game changer. We will discuss further the pros and cons of this move and propose the plan to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for budget allocation.”Patil also mentioned that the government is contacting top executives of the aviation industry and said, “We already got in touch with a few people from Air India, and they are ready to help us out if we proceed. We will make a decision soon.” If implemented, the Karnataka government will be the first state government to run an airline.The Steppingstone The Airport Authority of India (AAI) typically manages the bulk of airports in India, but the government made the decision to enter the industry, and the new Shivamogga airport is its first to begin with. The recently opened Kuvempu airport in Shivamogga is already run by the Karnataka government.Airports of KarnatakaMoreover, the government intends to open airports in areas like Raichur, Vijayapura, and Karwar.Karnataka at the moment has domestic airports in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Ballari, Bidar, Hubballi, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, and Mangaluru, which they plan to expand in the days to come. The airports in Bengaluru and Mangaluru serve as the states international airports.
