BELGAUM: While the expansion work of Belgaum airport at Sambra is going on in right earnest, passengers from the region will now have to depend on either Hubli or Goa to reach their destinations, as Spice Jet Airlines, the sole operator, has decided to withdraw its services to Belgaum and Bangalore from March 1.
According to Spice Jet, the company will not operate any flights to Belgaum from March 1, and all flights will commence from Hubli from that day. Accordingly, the staff too have received a notice to move to Hubli office of the company.
Sources said Spice Jet has decided to withdraw its services from Belgaum as it is reeling under tremendous financial pressure.
“This is one of the corporate measures the company has initiated to cut down the maintenance costs. In fact, Spice Jet is the only airline providing air services from Belgaum to Bangalore and Mumbai presently,” a senior official from the airport said.
“It has been operating three flights from Sambra airport daily, two to Bangalore and one to Mumbai. All three flights get excellent response as Belgaum airport is conveniently located from Kolhapur, Bagalkot and Hubli. Hence, the company can easily operate at least one flight each to Mumbai and Bangalore,” added the official.
Meanwhile, the decision is expected to have adverse effect on commercial and industrial sector of Belgaum. The passengers will now have to travel all the way to Hubli or Goa airport to reach their respective destinations. Chances of Spice Jet reversing its decision are remote despite appeals and pressures from various areas.
“There are new entrants in the market like Air Asia that has shown interests in operating their flights from Belgaum. It’s an open ‘let’s wait and watch,’” Belgaum MP Suresh Angadi who has been persuading Spice Jet to continue the flights stated categorically.
Meanwhile, the airport staff at Sambra airport is wary of the development as the busy airport is expected to once again wear a deserted look.
“It’s an unfortunate move on the part of Spice Jet in withdrawing its services from here just for cutting costs. Belgaum airport has better potential than Hubli and Kolhapur. It’s a shocking and surprising move,” said airport controller Eshwarappa, adding that Belgaum airport offers the best of facilities.
