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Airports in Karnataka connect the state’s major cities, heritage centres, and scenic landscapes with destinations across India and overseas. The large hubs in Bengaluru and Mangaluru handle thousands of daily passengers, while smaller airports in Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga make regional travel faster and easier. For students, professionals, and tourists, these routes cut down hours of road or rail time. Terminals across Karnataka are gradually upgrading, offering improved facilities and easier services that take some of the stress out of travel. Whether you come for heritage, business, or the coast, the state’s airports keep it well-connected.
7 Airports In Karnataka
Airports in Karnataka play an important role in connecting the state’s cultural centres, conveniently offering modern facilities for both domestic and international flyers.
1. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is in Devanahalli, around 40 kilometres from Bengaluru. It has quickly grown into Karnataka’s busiest and most important airport. Opened in 2008, it now ranks among India’s top three airports by passenger traffic, serving well over 30 million travellers each year. A major highlight is Terminal 2, often described as a “terminal in a garden,” with bamboo interiors, hanging greenery, and energy-efficient systems that set it apart from most airports in the country. The airport runs two parallel runways and connects Bengaluru to every large Indian city, while also offering nonstop flights to destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Location: About 40 km north of Bengaluru, Devanahalli
Facilities: Two terminals, lounges, restaurants, duty-free shops, currency exchange, car rentals, Wi-Fi, and ground transport
Suggested Read: Scenic Places To Visit In October Near Bangalore For A Refreshing Experience
2. Mangaluru International Airport
Photo: Ivan Shimko / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) sits about 15 kilometres from the city centre and is the state’s second most important air hub after Bengaluru. Built on a hilltop plateau, it is known for its tabletop runway, giving passengers dramatic landings with views of the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other. The airport is the main link for coastal Karnataka. It connects travellers to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad, while also offering direct flights to Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and Abu Dhabi. These routes are especially valuable for the large NRI community from the region and for visitors heading to Udupi, Gokarna, or Mangaluru’s beaches.
Location: About 15 km from Mangaluru city centre
Facilities: Domestic and international terminal, lounges, food outlets, prepaid taxis, parking, and currency exchange
3. Mysuru Airport
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
Mysuru Airport (MYQ), or Mandakalli Airport, lies about 12 kilometres from the city and holds an important place among airports in Karnataka. It is smaller than the main hubs but remains valuable for linking Mysuru with Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, and Chennai. Originally constructed in the 1940s, the site was revitalised in 2010 when a new terminal and longer runway were added, allowing operations for ATRs and narrow-body aircraft. The airport also features modern check-in counters, seating lounges, and food kiosks to increase passenger comfort. Mysuru’s prominence as a heritage and tourism destination brings additional significance to this airport during busy periods of the year, especially during the famous Dasara festival, when thousands of travellers arrive.
Location: 12 km east of Mysuru near Mandakalli
Facilities: Check-in counters, seating lounges, food kiosks, parking, medical aid, and prepaid taxis
Suggested Read: Romantic Places To Visit In Mysore For Couples
4. Hubballi Airport
Photo: Belinda Fewings / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Hubballi Airport (HBX) sits about 8 kilometres from the city centre and is one of the busiest regional hubs in northern Karnataka. It is run by the Airports Authority of India and has expanded quickly under the UDAN scheme, which was set up to improve regional air travel. Flights from here connect to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Goa. For people in this part of the state, it has become a key option for both business trips and holidays. A new terminal opened in 2018, adding more check-in counters, wider waiting halls, and smoother baggage systems. Its role has grown further because Hubballi is a commercial centre and lies close to Dharwad and several industrial areas.
Location: 8 km southeast of Hubballi city centre
Facilities: New terminal, check-in counters, waiting halls, baggage services, parking, food stalls, prepaid taxis
5. Belagavi Airport
Photo: Martijn Stoof / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Belagavi Airport (IXG) is at Sambra, about 10 kilometres from the city, and is one of the oldest airports in Karnataka, first set up in 1942. Over time, it has grown into a key regional link, with flights to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. A major upgrade was carried out recently with the opening of a new terminal covering 3,600 square meters. Inside, passengers find modern check-in counters, stronger security checks, smoother baggage handling, and seating areas designed for comfort. Belagavi’s industries, especially in aerospace and manufacturing, rely on this connectivity. Travellers also use the airport to reach Belgaum Fort, Gokak Falls, and the Jamboti Hills.
Location: 10 km northeast of Belagavi at Sambra
Facilities: Modern terminal, check-in counters, security, baggage handling, seating, parking, food outlets
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In October In Karnataka
6. Kalaburagi Airport
Photo: Wengang Zhai / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kalaburagi Airport (GBI), opened in November 2019, is a key regional airport in northeastern Karnataka. Located about 12 km from Kalaburagi city, it features a modern terminal and a 2,300-meter runway suitable for ATR and narrow-body aircraft. It currently connects to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, easing reliance on long road or rail journeys. Developed under the UDAN scheme, the airport supports tourism, business, and education in the region. With nearby attractions like the Bahmani tombs and Sharan Basaveshwara Temple, Kalaburagi Airport plays a vital role in regional connectivity and development, blending infrastructure growth with local economic needs.
Location: 12 km south of Kalaburagi city
Facilities: Modern terminal, check-in counters, seating, parking, baggage services, prepaid taxis
7. Shivamogga Airport
Photo: FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫ / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Shivamogga Airport (RQY), which opened in February 2023, is the latest addition to Karnataka’s aviation network and a major fillip to the Malnad region. It is located at Sogane, approximately 12 kilometres from the city of Shivamogga. The airport has been developed by building a modern, 4,000 square-meter terminal capable of accommodating 300 passengers at peak traffic volume. It has check-in counters, waiting lounges, parking and modern air traffic control systems. The 3,200 m runway is one of the longest in Karnataka and can accommodate larger aircraft in the future. At present, there are normal flights from Shivamogga to Bengaluru, which allow for a drastic flight time when compared to road travel through the Western Ghats.
Location: 12 km south of Shivamogga at Sogane
Facilities: Modern terminal, check-in counters, waiting lounges, parking, basic food services
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Tips For Travellers
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Make your journey through airports in Karnataka easier with these essential travel tips—covering timings, facilities, transport options, and what to expect at regional terminals.
- If you’re flying around Dasara in Mysuru or the New Year in Bengaluru, tickets go fast. Book early.
- Smaller airports don’t always have many flights. Check the timings before you set plans.
- At regional airports, it’s safer to arrange a cab ahead of time, though shuttles work if they’re running.
- Keep some cash. Food stalls and taxi counters often won’t bother with cards.
- Trips through Mysuru or Shivamogga to heritage spots or wildlife parks need road planning as much as flights.
- On smaller planes from Hubballi or Kalaburagi, baggage rules can be tighter; confirm before you pack.
Airports in Karnataka do more than connect flights—they link major cities, heritage towns, and industrial centres across India and beyond. While Bengaluru and Mangaluru handle international routes, airports like Mysuru, Hubballi, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga serve key domestic needs. From business trips to heritage tours, these gateways reduce travel time and support tourism, trade, and convenience. Plan your journey with TripXL for up-to-date insights across Karnataka.
