The Bidar airport, located in Karnataka’s landscape, is significant to the locals. It is approximately 3.5 kilometres away from Bidar. Originally built as a military airfield for the Indian Air Force, this airport has since gained popularity among civilians. It has well-defined infrastructure that contributes to India’s economic growth. In recent years, this region, as well as Kolkata as a whole, has seen significant development. Bidar Airport is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of air travel, with limitless opportunities for exploration, business, and cultural exchange.
Read also: Top 10 Bidar tourist places
History
In the pre-independence period, in the 1940s, Bidar Airport was established as a Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) base. The basic purpose at that time was to serve as a training ground for pilots during World War II. After Independence, the IAF took over this airport and continued to handle it, running it as a training facility. The primary focus was to provide housing to the Air Force Academy and training squadrons with Kiran Mk II and Hawk Mk 132 jet trainers.
Flights for civilians began in 2008, when a dedicated civilian terminal was built for the Guru-ta-Gaddi celebrations at the Sikh pilgrimage site Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib. Bidar Airport has encountered difficulties in securing regular commercial flights. It is not a lack of interest, but rather a limitation in infrastructure. The runways and terminals may not be as modern or spacious as those at larger airports, and there is insufficient passenger traffic to encourage airlines to operate here frequently.Â
The Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to improve regional connectivity, provided a new ray of hope for Bidar Airport. In 2017, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL) was awarded the rights to develop and manage the civilian enclave. Despite the fact that Bidar Airport is still not operational for commercial flights as of February 2024, GHIAL’s plans to resume operations in the near future have reignited optimism.
Location and connectivity
Bidar Airport (IATA: IXX, ICAO: VOBR) is located approximately 10 kilometres north of Bidar, Karnataka, India.
The terminal building has a capacity to handle 200 passengers at a time. In terms of passenger traffic, from April 2022 to March 2023, Bidar Airport saw a notable increase in travellers, with a total of 10,140 passengers passing through its gates. This marked a significant rise of 39.8% compared to the previous period, indicating a growing interest in the airport and its services. Bidar Airport had limited connectivity with other cities, mainly due to its small size and lack of infrastructure.Â
Right now, Bidar Airport isn’t running any commercial flights.The Government of India has a scheme called UDAN that aims to connect different regions. They’ve given permission to a company called GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL) to work on Bidar Airport. GHIAL’s job is to make the airport ready for commercial flights and run it smoothly. They’re planning to start these flights very soon. So, even though there aren’t any flights yet, things are looking up for Bidar Airport.
Despite its limited operations, Bidar Airport occasionally offered flights to destinations such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Shirdi, providing connectivity to major cities and pilgrimage sites. Travellers could access these destinations conveniently from Bidar Airport. Here are the distances to nearby airports for reference:
- Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD): 180 km
- Bengaluru International Airport (BLR): 240 km
- Nanded Airport (NDR): 150 km
Bidar’s main city is approximately 5.1 kilometres (3.2 miles) away from the airport, making it easily accessible for travellers. Commuting between the airport and the city centre is convenient, with options to rent a taxi or drive a car. This accessibility enhances the airport’s appeal to passengers travelling to and from Bidar and its surrounding areas.
Infrastructure
| Current infrastructure | Future plans for improvements |
| Runway | Terminal expansion |
| Single runway, 2,300 metres long and 45 metres wide. | Making the terminal building bigger to accommodate more passengers. |
| Terminal building | New apron and taxiway |
| One terminal with a capacity to handle up to 200 passengers. | Constructing new areas for aircraft parking and movement to enhance efficiency. |
| Navigation aids | Improved navigation aids |
| Equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other aids. | Upgrading and installing new navigation systems for safer and smoother operations. |
Hotels near Bidar Airport
- Mastiff Select Bidar
- Sagar Residency
- Blackbuck Resort
- Vintage Retreat Resort
- Kasturi International
- Hotel Mayura
- Hotel Sapna International
- Saibaba Palace
- Hotel Vikas Lodge
- Sagar Regency
Residential area near Bidar Airport
Bidar City, located around 10 kilometres from the airport, stands out as the largest urban centre in the region. This growing city offers a diverse range of housing options and easy access to essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and markets. However, its vibrant atmosphere and busy streets may make it less calm than smaller towns or villages. On the other hand, Naubad, which is about 8 kilometres from the airport, is closer to it, which could result in shorter travel times. Despite this advantage, Naubad may have limited housing options and fewer amenities than Bidar city.Â
| Location | Distance from airport Area | Plot area | Price (₹) | Features |
| Adarsh Colony | Approximately 1.9 km (1.2 mi) | 1,200 sq ft | 17.0 lakhs | Corner plot with boundary wall |
| Naubad | Approximately 2.9 km (1.8 mi) | 1,200 sq ft | 28.0 lakhs | Corner plot facing south |
| Mailoor | Approximately 4.0 km (2.5 mi) | 1,200 sq ft | 75.0 lakhs | North-west facing plot near Ks Kudre Petrol Pump and Chidri Ring Road |
| Naubad (Another Location) | Approximately 4.5 km (2.8 mi) | 1,200 sq ft | 12.5 lakhs | Corner plot facing east |
Challenges
Low passenger numbers
Bidar Airport, located in Karnataka, faces challenges with low passenger numbers, making it the least preferred airport in the state. Only 10,140 passengers used the airport recently, primarily due to its limited flight schedule. Currently, only one flight connects Bidar to Bangalore daily, departing at 3:30 pm and arriving at 4:30 pm. This restricted schedule significantly impacts passenger traffic.
Proximity to Hyderabad affects demand
Bidar’s proximity to Hyderabad, which has an international airport offering flights worldwide, influences travellers’ choices. Many tourists opt for road travel from Hyderabad to Bidar due to the availability of international flights, reducing demand for direct flights from Bidar.
Competition from Kalaburagi Airport
The emergence of flight services to Kalaburagi, located approximately 120 km away, diverts passengers from Bidar Airport. Kalaburagi now serves as a competitive alternative for travellers in the region.
Challenges in enhancing connectivity
Bidar Airport faces the challenge of enhancing connectivity to attract more flights. Several factors contribute to this challenge:
Distance from major cities
Bidar’s distance from major cities makes it less attractive to travellers.
Lack of supporting infrastructure
Developing supporting infrastructure like hotels and transportation links is crucial.
Uncertainty about development timeline
Delays in project implementation hinder progress and attract negative attention.
Balancing military and civilian operations
Coordinating with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for smooth civilian flight operations requires careful planning.
Regulatory hurdles
Obtaining necessary clearances and approvals from aviation authorities can be time-consuming.
Funding and partnerships
Securing funding for development and forging partnerships with airlines are crucial steps in enhancing connectivity.
Impact on real estate
| Positive Aspects | Negative Impacts |
| Fast Development | Increased flight operations could lead to noise pollution in nearby areas. |
| Bidar is experiencing rapid development. | If passenger demand remains low, the airport’s impact on real estate might be negligible. |
| Civilian airport connects it well with major parts of the state. | Uncertain Development and delays or changes in airport development plans could create uncertainty and hinder real estate investment. |
| Establishment of malls and big brand franchises contributes to real estate growth. | |
| Tourist Attraction | |
| Bidar is a major tourist destination with historical monuments dating back 700 years. | |
| Ancient monuments add value to the city, making it attractive for commercial properties. | |
| Increased Demand | |
| Regular flights and passengers could increase demand for housing near the airport. | |
| Potential for price appreciation in nearby areas. | |
| New development opportunities for residential complexes, hotels, and infrastructure. |
FAQs
The Airport code is IATA: IXX | ICAO: VOBR
Bidar Airport has two terminals.
Follow news articles and announcements from the airport authorities, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., and the local government.
Yes, the airport has an ILS for safe landings in low visibility conditions.
The runway length and infrastructure will likely limit operations to small to medium-sized aircraft.
Star Air operates flights between Bidar and Bangalore
Long-term development plans are not yet finalised. Expansion will depend on factors like passenger demand and future aviation needs. What is the airport code of Bidar Airport?
How many terminals does Bidar Airport have?
How can I stay updated about Bidar Airport developments?
Does the airport have an Instrument Landing System (ILS)?
What type of aircraft will be able to operate at Bidar Airport?
Which airlines operate at Bidar airport?
Are there plans for further expansion beyond the current upgrade plans?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
