BJP leader MP Iranna Kadadi has complained that private airlines have stopped flights on eight routes and sought action against them for reduced flight operations.

The MP raised this issue in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour on Friday.

He urged the Union government to take strict action against airlines that have discontinued services despite high passenger demand.

Belagavi was supposed to be connected to 13 cities through five airlines under the UDAN 3 scheme. But now, connectivity has been reduced to just five cities, served by two airlines.

“It seems the airlines only provide services until they get viability gap funding or subsidy from the government. They stop services once subsidy stops. They do not consider if the number of passengers is low or high. This is not acceptable,” he said.

“The Belagavi Airport in Sambra recorded 3,40,300 passengers in 2024-25, marking a 9% increase over the previous year. Load factors on routes to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad range between 85% and 95%. When flights are running at more than 90% capacity and are providing benefits even without a subsidy, it is wrong to stop service,” Mr. Kadadi said.

The airport in Sambra was built by the Royal Air Force in 1942. It serves a strategically important region bordering Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa.

Belagavi needs connectivity to important cities in other States, as it has a robust trade and industry establishments.

There are several defence establishments, including the Maratha Light Infantry, ITBP, Commando Training Centre and Air Force Training Centre.

It is also an important educational, medical and industrial hub. Therefore, there is a need to restore flights to Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Jaipur and other cities from Belagavi, he said, according to a release.