The Narendra Modi-led Union government has declared Madurai airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport but has not taken a similar decision regarding Hubballi and Belagavi airports in Karnataka, Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil said on Wednesday, alleging a 'discriminatory approach'.
Speaking to reporters, Patil said the Centre may have taken the decision keeping the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections in mind. However, its indifferent attitude towards Karnataka’s demand is questionable, he added.
Patil said a letter had been written on June 24, 2025, to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu requesting that Hubballi and Belagavi airports be upgraded to international status, noting that the move would greatly benefit the North Karnataka region.
“In this context, Union Minister and Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi, Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, and Haveri MP Basavaraj Bommai should raise their voices and stand firmly for the interests of the state,” he urged.
At least one of the two airports-Hubballi or Belagavi-should be declared an international airport, he said, adding that it would be even more welcome if both are upgraded. The Central Government must recognise the state’s requirement, Patil added.
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