Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) – Bengaluru
Type: International
Started: 2008
Runways: 2
Operator: BIAL
Mangalore International Airport (IXE) – Mangaluru
Type: International
Started: 1951 (International status in 2006)
Runways: 1
Operator: Adani Group
Hubballi Airport (HBX) – Hubballi
Type: Domestic
Started: 1954
Operator: AAI
Belagavi Airport (IXG) – Belagavi
Type: Domestic
Started: 1942
Operator: AAI
Mysuru Airport (MYQ) – Mysuru
Type: Domestic
Started: 1948 (modern operations restarted 2010)
Operator: AAI
Kalaburagi Airport (GBI) – Kalaburagi
Type: Domestic
Started: 2019
Operator: State Government
Vidyanagar Airport (VDY) – Ballari (for Hampi)
Type: Domestic
Started: 2015
Operator: JSW Group
Shivamogga Airport – Shivamogga
Status: Inaugurated in 2023
Commercial operations to start soon
Hassan Airport – Hassan
Status: Under construction
Raichur Airport – Raichur
Status: Proposed
Karnataka has a total of 9 operational airports, which include 2 international airports (Bengaluru and Mangaluru) and 7 domestic airports located in cities like Belagavi, Hubballi, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Kalaburagi, Bidar, and Ballari. Additionally, several upcoming airports are under development.
The two international airports in Karnataka are:
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) – Located in Bengaluru, it is the busiest airport in the state.
Mangalore International Airport (IXE) – Located in Mangaluru, it primarily connects to Gulf countries.
Domestic airports in Karnataka include:
Belagavi (IXG)
Hubballi (HBX)
Mysuru (MYQ)
Shivamogga (RQY)
Kalaburagi (GBI)
Bidar (IXX)
Ballari – Jindal Vijayanagar Airport (VDY)
The newest airport in Karnataka is Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport (RQY) in Shivamogga, inaugurated in 2023. It features a lotus-inspired terminal and boosts air connectivity to the Malnad region.
Yes, Karnataka has multiple upcoming or under-construction airports, including:
Vijayapura (Jagatjyoti Shri Basaveshwar Airport)
Hassan Airport
Raichur Airport
Karwar Airport (dual use – Naval + Civil)
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru. It handles over 30 million passengers annually, has two terminals (T1 & T2), and serves both domestic and international routes.
Bidar Airbase (also has a civilian terminal)
Yelahanka Air Force Station (hosts Aero India show)
HAL Airport, Bengaluru (used for testing by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | Type | Year of Start | Runways | Operator |
| Kempegowda International Airport | Bengaluru | BLR | International | 2008 | 2 | BIAL |
| Mangalore International Airport | Mangaluru | IXE | International | 1951 (Intl: 2006) | 2 (Tabletop) | AAI |
| Belagavi Airport | Belagavi | IXG | Domestic | 1942 | 1 | Ministry of Civil Aviation |
| Hubballi Airport | Hubballi-Dharwad | HBX | Domestic | 1974 | 1 | AAI |
| Mysuru Airport | Mysuru | MYQ | Domestic | 1940 | 1 | AAI |
| Shivamogga (Shimoga) Airport | Shivamogga | RQY | Domestic | 2023 | 1 | KSIIDC |
| Kalaburagi Airport | Kalaburagi | GBI | Domestic | 2019 | 1 | AAI |
| Bidar Airport | Bidar | IXX | Domestic | 2008 (Civilian) | 1 | GHIAL (GMR Group) |
| Ballari (Vidyanagar) Airport | Toran |
Apart from commercial and upcoming airports, Karnataka is also home to several strategically important defence airbases operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other military branches. These airfields play a crucial role in national security, pilot training, and emergency defence operations.
| Name of the Airport | Type | Location / Description |
| Bidar Airport | Defence-Civil Enclave | Functions as a training base for the Indian Air Force; limited civilian operations allowed |
| Yelahanka Air Force Station | Defence Airbase | Located near Bengaluru; hosts the biennial Aero India Show showcasing aviation tech |
| HAL Airport, Bengaluru | Defence/Private | Former city airport now operated by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for aircraft testing and manufacturing activities |
Karnataka is rapidly expanding its aviation infrastructure to improve regional connectivity, boost tourism, and enhance economic development. Several new airports are either under construction or in planning stages across different districts. Here’s a list of the upcoming airports in Karnataka:
| Name of the Airport | Type / Status | Location / Description |
| Jagatjyoti Shri Basaveshwar Airport | Under Construction | Located in Vijayapura (Bijapur); named after 12th-century philosopher Basavanna |
| Hassan Airport | Under Development | Expected to boost connectivity in South Karnataka; project revived after years of delay |
| Karwar Airport (Naval Airfield + Civil Use) | Planned / Defence-Civil Use | Proposed near INS Kadamba naval base; will serve dual military-civilian purposes |
| Raichur Airport | Proposed | Aims to enhance accessibility in the northeastern part of Karnataka |
Location:
The airport is being constructed at Madhabavi, approximately 15 km from Vijayapura city (formerly Bijapur), in northern Karnataka.
Ownership and Operation:
Owned by the Government of Karnataka and developed in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Purpose:
To connect Vijayapura—a major historical and cultural center—to other cities and enhance tourism and business potential.
Timeline:
Construction began in phases. The airport is expected to be operational by 2025–2026.
Aircraft Size:
Designed to accommodate regional aircraft such as ATR-72 and possibly narrow-body jets (like A320) post-expansion.
Connectivity:
Strategically located near NH-50, ensuring seamless ground transport to Vijayapura and surrounding districts.
Benefits:
Will significantly improve access to Vijayapura’s heritage sites (e.g., Gol Gumbaz), increase regional employment, and promote local industries.
Location:
Located in Boovanahalli, around 7 km from Hassan city, in South Karnataka.
Ownership and Operation:
Developed jointly by the Government of Karnataka and AAI under the UDAN scheme for regional connectivity.
Purpose:
To enhance air access to Hassan and nearby regions including tourist destinations like Belur, Halebeedu, and Chikmagalur.
Timeline:
After years of delay, construction resumed. The airport is expected to be completed between 2025 and 2026.
Aircraft Size:
Initially planned for smaller aircraft like ATRs; future upgrades may allow larger aircraft.
Connectivity:
Close to SH-57 and connected via arterial roads to surrounding districts.
Benefits:
Aims to boost tourism, agriculture exports, and industrial development in Hassan and neighboring districts.
Location:
The airport is proposed for Alageri village near Ankola in Karwar district, Karnataka’s western coastal region.
Ownership and Operation:
Owned and developed by the Indian Navy; the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will operate the civil enclave.
Purpose:
To serve both as a strategic naval airbase and a civilian aviation facility, providing dual-use functionality.
Timeline:
The naval air station is likely to be operational by 2025, with the civilian terminal expected by 2027 or later.
Aircraft Size:
Designed to handle mid-sized aircraft such as the Boeing 737.
Connectivity:
Near NH-66 and the Konkan Railway, ensuring strong transport links. Will improve access to North Karnataka and tourist hubs like Gokarna, Murudeshwar, and Karwar.
Benefits:
Promotes regional tourism, enhances national security logistics, generates employment, and supports local business ecosystems.
Location:
The proposed site lies near Kallur village, about 10 km from Raichur city in northeastern Karnataka.
Ownership and Operation:
To be developed by the Government of Karnataka in partnership with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under regional airport initiatives.
Purpose:
To address poor air connectivity in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region and support agricultural and pharma-based industries.
Timeline:
In planning phase; land acquisition is underway. Targeted completion is expected beyond 2026, subject to clearance and funding.
Aircraft Size:
Expected to handle regional aircraft (e.g., ATRs) in its initial phase.
Connectivity:
Located along Raichur–Mantralayam Road, with access to regional roadways and bus routes.
Benefits:
Boosts industrial exports, medical emergency access, and integrates Raichur into Karnataka’s growing aviation grid.
| Operator Abbreviation | Full Form / Description |
| BIAL | Bangalore International Airport Limited – A public-private consortium responsible for managing Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. It includes stakeholders like Fairfax, Siemens, and the Government of Karnataka. |
| AAI | Airports Authority of India – A statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, that manages most of India’s civil aviation infrastructure, including several domestic airports in Karnataka. |
| Ministry of Civil Aviation | The Government of India’s central aviation authority, directly overseeing certain airports (like Belagavi) that are either co-managed or in transition phases with AAI. |
| KSIIDC | Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation – A state government body that oversees industrial and infrastructure development, including the newly developed Shivamogga Airport. |
| GHIAL (GMR Group) | GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited – A subsidiary of GMR Group, which operates Bidar Airport under a public-private partnership with the Government of Karnataka. |
| JSW Steel (not mentioned above but relevant for Ballari Airport) | Jindal South West (JSW) Steel Ltd. – Operates the Jindal Vijayanagar Airport in Toranagallu (Ballari) for both industrial and commercial use, supporting the region's connectivity and tourism (e.g., Hampi). |
From world-class facilities in Bengaluru to cultural gateways like Mysuru and Shivamogga, Karnataka's airports are a mix of heritage and modernity. The continued development and expansion of aviation infrastructure ensure smooth connectivity for passengers across India and beyond.
How many operational airports are there in Karnataka?
There are 9 major operational airports in Karnataka, including 2 international and 7 domestic airports.
Which is the biggest airport in Karnataka?
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru is the largest and busiest.
What is the newest airport in Karnataka?
Shivamogga Airport (RQY), inaugurated in 2023, is the latest addition.
Which airport is closest to tourist places like Hampi?
Vidyanagar (Ballari) Airport (VDY) is the closest to Hampi and Hospet.
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