Mysuru: The future of the 4 Karnataka Air Squadron of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in Mysuru has come under threat after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed the demolition of its decades-old hangar at Mysore Airport in Mandakalli, citing serious safety concerns.

The order follows a DGCA inspection conducted in October 2025, which found the ageing hangar structurally unsafe. Authorities have since suspended all flying operations from the facility, bringing aviation training for NCC cadets to a standstill.

Flying training halted

The hangar, which suffered extensive damage during a storm in May 2016, has remained unrepaired for nearly a decade. Officials said the deteriorating roof and weakened structure posed a significant safety risk, with roofing sheets reportedly being blown onto operational areas of the airport during the monsoon.

As a result, the squadron’s two Pipistrel Virus FW 80 microlight trainer aircraft, valued at around ₹3 crore and supplied by the Karnataka Government, have remained grounded since October 2025. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has asked the NCC to remove the aircraft to facilitate demolition, but no alternative hangar has been identified.

Cadets face uncertain future

The suspension of flying training has dealt a major blow to aspiring pilots, especially cadets from economically weaker sections who receive aviation training free of cost through the NCC.

Without access to the squadron’s aircraft, cadets must turn to private flying clubs, where training costs range between ₹50,000 and ₹60,000 per flying hour, making it unaffordable for many.

Squadron could be shifted out of Karnataka

According to senior NCC officials, the Directorate General of NCC has indicated that the Air Squadron could be permanently shifted to another state, possibly in the Northeast, if the Karnataka Government does not fund the repair of the existing hangar or the construction of a new facility.

Officials estimate that around ₹50 lakh is required to restore or replace the hangar. Despite repeated appeals to the Chief Minister, Education Minister and the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), no funds have been sanctioned so far.

NCC authorities have warned that losing the squadron would deprive young people from Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and other parts of Karnataka of a rare opportunity to receive free aviation training and pursue careers in flying