Mysuru: The long-awaited expansion and upgrading of Mysuru Airport has gained significant momentum with the completion of land acquisition by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). The acquired land will soon be handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) through the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), once all formalities are completed.
Officials said the move marks a crucial step towards strengthening air connectivity in the region, especially after the formation of Greater Mysuru and the city’s growing profile as a tourism and investment destination.
Land acquisition process completed
A total of 240 acres is required for the proposed runway expansion. Of this, KIADB has acquired 206.12 acres, while the remaining land belongs to the government. Special Land Acquisition Officer N. C. Venkatraju said that 181.12 acres were secured through consent from landowners.
“For the remaining 18 acres, we have written to the KIADB head office seeking approval for a general award to compensate for trees and structures. The award amount will be deposited in court, and the landowners can claim it from there. Once this process is completed and the land is free of encumbrances, it will be handed over to AAI through KSIIDC,” he said.
Officials clarified that all pending compensation related to structures or trees must be cleared before the formal transfer of land.
Re-survey and infrastructure planning
Airport Director P. V. Usha Kumari said a joint re-survey was conducted between February 9 and 12 in Mandakalli and Marashe villages. Representatives from KSIIDC, KIADB, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL), Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and AAI participated in the exercise.
A senior GIS analyst from AAI and KIADB surveyors measured boundaries using JMC maps and laid boundary stones. Primary security clearance for the expansion-related works has already been obtained, while expert clearance has been sought from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
Plans are in place for underground cabling of high-tension and low-tension electric lines of KPTCL and construction of underground box tunnels for five irrigation canals. These works will be undertaken with State government funds. Additionally, a diversion of NH-766 near the Mysuru–Nanjangud Road has been planned with NHAI funding.
Runway expansion in two phases
Currently, the airport has a 1,740-metre runway capable of handling ATR-72 aircraft with a 72-seat capacity. Under the expansion plan, the runway will be extended to 2,300 metres in the first phase and to 2,750 metres in the second phase.
Once completed, the airport will be able to accommodate Airbus A320, Boeing 737, Globemaster and similar narrow- and wide-bodied aircraft with capacities exceeding 180 passengers. This development is expected to significantly enhance domestic and potential international connectivity.
AAI confirmed the Master Plan for the airport on October 6, 2025. Following the handover of land, AAI will prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), undertake land development and commence full-scale expansion and upgrading works.
Flight operations and future prospects
At present, two IndiGo flights operate daily from Mysuru to Chennai and Hyderabad, reportedly with nearly 100 per cent occupancy. This strong passenger demand has reinforced the case for expansion.
Between 2017 and September 2023, the airport operated routes under the UDAN–RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme), connecting Mysuru to Goa, Kochi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Belagavi and Mangaluru at different times. Occupancy during this period exceeded 80 per cent.
Airport officials have approached the Ministry of Civil Aviation seeking reintroduction of RCS routes. Sources indicated that with proactive support from the Karnataka government, these routes could be revived.
There is also demand for new flights to Kochi, Goa, Mumbai, Calicut, Mangaluru and Tirupati. The Civil Aviation Ministry has granted clearance to Alhind Air for operations, and slot allocations are expected once the airline commences services, likely in September.
Currently, one flying training school operates from the airport, while another has secured the necessary permit.
Boost to Greater Mysuru
With Greater Mysuru expanding rapidly and attracting new residential, commercial and industrial projects, improved air connectivity is seen as essential infrastructure. The expansion of Mysuru Airport is expected to draw investors, enhance tourism and improve ease of travel for residents.
Officials expressed confidence that once the land transfer is completed and DPR finalised, the project will move swiftly into the execution phase. The expansion is poised to transform Mysuru into a stronger aviation hub in southern Karnataka, aligning with the city’s growing economic aspirations.