Hubli Airport Karnataka | Flights, Facilities, Development & More
Located in the heart of North Karnataka, Hubli Airport (officially known as Hubballi Airport) plays a critical role in improving regional connectivity. It serves the twin cities of Hubli and Dharwad, two major urban centres that have seen fast-paced industrial and commercial growth in recent years.
Situated just 8 km from Hubli and 20 km from Dharwad, the airport is strategically placed in Gandhi Nagar, making it easily accessible by road and rail. With multiple domestic flight connections, modern infrastructure, and cargo capabilities, Hubli Airport is now among the busiest regional airports in Karnataka.
Overview of Hubli Airport
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Hubli Airport (Hubballi Airport) |
| Location | Gandhi Nagar, Hubli, Karnataka |
| Airport Code (IATA) | HBX |
| Year of Establishment | 1974 |
| Operated By | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Airport Type | Public, Domestic |
| Total Area | 369 Acres |
| Major Airlines | IndiGo, Star Air |
| Number of Runways | 1 (Runway 08/26) |
| Terminal Area | 3,600 square meters (current terminal) |
Flight Connectivity from Hubli Airport
Hubli Airport flights are primarily operated by IndiGo and Star Air, covering over 10 domestic destinations. Some of the major cities connected via direct flights include:
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Bengaluru
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Hyderabad
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Mumbai
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Delhi
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Ahmedabad
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Chennai
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Tirupati
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Goa
Hubli Airport is steadily gaining importance due to its growing flight frequency and punctual operations, making it a preferred choice for business and leisure travellers in North Karnataka.
Hubli Airport Terminals and Passenger Facilities
The airport has undergone major improvements in recent years. Initially, the old terminal handled just three ATR-72-sized aircraft. But with growing demand, operations were shifted to a new terminal, which is more spacious and passenger-friendly.
Features of the New Terminal:
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Spread over 3,600 square meters
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Central air-conditioning for passenger comfort
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Capacity to handle 300 passengers during peak hours
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Designed with energy-saving features such as skylights and insulated roofing
Passenger Services Available:
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Free baggage trolleys
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Medical and first-aid room
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Lost and found baggage counter
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Wheelchair assistance for senior and differently-abled passengers
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Childcare room with toys and books
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Public telephone facility in the security hold area
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Ample car parking space near the terminal
Runway, Apron & Aircraft Handling Capacity - Hubli Airport
The airport has one asphalt runway, designated Runway 08/26, with a length of 2,600 meters and a width of 45 meters. It is equipped with CAT I Instrument Landing System (ILS) and is being upgraded with RNP (Required Navigation Performance) for enhanced safety and precision.
The expanded apron area can accommodate:
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3 Airbus A319/A320/B737
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Or 5 ATR-72-type aircraft
Domestic Cargo Terminal - Hubli Airport
In March 2021, the old terminal building was converted into a dedicated cargo terminal, becoming North Karnataka’s first domestic air cargo hub. This has given a significant boost to logistics, e-commerce, and small business sectors in and around Hubli, Dharwad, and Belgaum.
| Cargo Terminal Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operational Since | March 2021 |
| Cargo Terminal Size | 700 square feet (65 sqm) |
| Location | East of the main terminal |
| Usage | Domestic cargo handling |
Solar Power at Hubli Airport
Hubli Airport is among the green airports in India, thanks to its 8 MW solar power plant, commissioned in April 2021. This ground-mounted photovoltaic system makes the airport self-sufficient in electricity generation.
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Installed over 38 acres
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400+ solar panels placed across 24 acres
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Generates approx. 140 lakh units annually
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Excess power is distributed to Mysore Airport, HAL Airport (Bangalore), and Gulbarga Airport
This makes Hubli Airport one of the most sustainable airports in Karnataka and a benchmark in India’s clean energy adoption in aviation.
Airport Expansion Plan 2024 - 2026
To meet rising air traffic and improve passenger experience, the Airports Authority of India has initiated a major upgrade project.
| Expansion Element | Description |
|---|---|
| New Terminal Area | 20,000 square meters |
| Handling Capacity | 2,400 passengers (600 currently) |
| Aerobridges | 4 planned |
| Additional Apron Bays | Under development |
| Project Cost | ₹270 Crores |
| Completion Deadline | By 2026 |
Tenders worth ₹35.02 crore have already been issued for apron bay construction, with completion expected within 10 months from the award date.
Access and Transportation to Hubli Airport
Hubli Airport is located on Gokul Road, providing seamless connectivity by road and rail.
By Road:
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Located close to National Highway 48 (NH-48)
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NWKRTC operates air-conditioned buses from Hubli Railway Station to the airport
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Local buses and mini-vans connect Hubli Central Bus Terminus (CBT) to the airport
By Rail:
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Unkal Railway Station – 7.5 km
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Hubli Junction Railway Station – 8 km
Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside both stations.
Real Estate Boom Near Hubli Airport
The rise of Hubli Airport has triggered a surge in property demand in surrounding areas. The airport’s development has improved commercial viability and made Hubli, Dharwad, and Belgaum attractive for investors and developers.
| Locality | Property Price Range |
|---|---|
| Hubli | ₹15 Lakhs – ₹1.74 Crores |
| Dharwad | ₹15 Lakhs – ₹2 Crores |
| Belgaum | ₹18.8 Lakhs – ₹1.88 Crores |
With increased cargo handling and upcoming terminal expansion, demand for residential housing, office spaces, and retail establishments is expected to grow rapidly.
Nearby Hotel - Fortune Park Airport Road Hubballi
Located directly across from the airport, Fortune Park Airport Road Hubballi, operated by ITC Hotels, is ideal for business travelers, transit passengers, and late-night flyers.
Hotel Features:
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67 rooms including 7 suites
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Multi-cuisine restaurant and lounge bar
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Easy access to terminal, parking, and city centre
Brief History and Timeline of Hubli Airport
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1954: Need for an airport in Hubli identified during Bombay Presidency era
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1974: Land acquired and airport constructed by Karnataka PWD
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1996: AAI took over airport operations
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2003: Flight operations resumed via Air Deccan and Kingfisher
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2014–2019: SpiceJet served Hubli Airport
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2018: IndiGo started operations and expanded network
Contact Information – Hubli Airport
Terminal Manager
Airports Authority of India, Hubballi Airport, Gokul Road, Hubballi – 580030
Phone: 9513303296 | 0836-2300623
Email: tmhbx@aai.aero
Public Grievance Officer
Phone: 9513303296 | 0836-2300623
Email: pgo_hubli@aai.aero
Conclusion - Hubli Airport Karnataka
With modern infrastructure, growing air traffic, and an environmentally conscious solar energy system, Hubli Airport is transforming into a major aviation gateway in Karnataka. The upcoming expansion will only boost its capacity and importance further.
Whether you're a traveller, real estate investor, or businessperson, keeping an eye on Hubli Airport's development could bring long-term benefits and opportunities.
