Shivamogga: Concerns over a possible suspension of flight services from Shivamogga airport from November 21 have prompted MP B Y Raghavendra to criticise the Karnataka government, urging it to step in to protect air connectivity to the Malenadu region.
Raghavendra said the airport, inaugurated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, had served more than 4.29 lakh passengers in three years. A shutdown would affect people travelling for business, tourism, education and medical treatment, he said.
He urged the state government to extend Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support to Shivamogga airport, similar to the assistance provided to airports in Kalaburagi, Bidar and Vijayanagara.
The MP demanded immediate financial incentives for airlines operating the Shivamogga-Bengaluru route to prevent disruption of services.
He also criticised delays in releasing crop-loss compensation and sought immediate disbursal of relief in accordance with National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines.
Raghavendra said he would continue his efforts to protect the airport and promote the development of the Malenadu region.
