Belagavi: Belagavi airport recorded a 7.6% decline in passenger traffic during the first half of 2026, while cargo movement surged nearly 2.5 times, according to airport data.
Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/passenger-traffic-dips-at-bgavi-airport-cargo-volume-jumps-nearly-2-5-times/articleshow/133189588.cms
Between January and June, the airport handled 1,49,369 passengers, compared with 1,61,739 during the same period in 2025. Flight operations also fell by 9.1%, from 2,370 to 2,154.
The decline in passenger traffic is largely attributed to the withdrawal of flights on several routes. The airport currently has daily services to Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, compared with 13 cities earlier.
Meanwhile, cargo traffic recorded strong growth, rising to 11.3 tonnes from 4.6 tonnes a year ago. The increase was driven by demand from the region’s industrial, e-commerce and logistics sectors.
Airport authorities said flights to destinations such as Ahmedabad and Pune are expected during the winter schedule. Efforts are also underway to introduce dedicated cargo services.
Aviation observers said the sharp rise in cargo movement highlights Belagavi airport’s potential to develop into a regional logistics hub, provided adequate cargo infrastructure and support facilities are developed.
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