Frequent flyers between Bengaluru and Belagavi are likely to face inconvenience after IndiGo reduced its daily flight services on the route from two flights to one. The airline cited rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and operational constraints as reasons for the decision.
The revised schedule came into effect on June 16, ending the availability of both morning and evening travel options that many passengers relied on for flexible planning.
New flight schedule comes into effect
Under the new arrangement, flights will operate in the morning on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The service departs Bengaluru at 6.50 am and arrives in Belagavi at 8.20 am.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the flight will operate in the evening, departing Bengaluru at 5.55 pm and reaching Belagavi at 7.25 pm.
The reduction means passengers will now have only one flight option per day, depending on the day of travel.
Frequent flyers express concern
The move has raised concerns among business travellers, students, government officials and tourists who regularly travel between the two cities.
Earlier, the presence of both morning and evening flights allowed passengers to make same-day business trips, attend official meetings, and access convenient onward connections through Bengaluru. The revised schedule is expected to reduce travel flexibility and could lead to increased demand for the limited seats available.
Travel industry observers note that Belagavi has seen steady growth in air passenger traffic over the past few years, with demand for connectivity to Bengaluru remaining strong.
Hope for restoration of services
Local stakeholders and regular flyers have expressed hope that the airline will restore the second daily service in the coming months if operational costs ease and passenger demand continues to grow.
Many believe that maintaining stronger air connectivity is important for business, education, tourism and administrative travel between north Karnataka and the state capital.