Bellary Airport (BEP)

Bellary Airport (BEP) is a historic aviation facility serving the city of Bellary in the state of Karnataka, India. Originally constructed during World War II, the airport holds a storied place in Indian aviation history as a stop on the country's first commercial flight route, established by J.R.D. Tata in 1932. The facility features a single 1,106-meter asphalt runway (12/30) and a basic passenger terminal building. While it historically hosted scheduled services from carriers like Air India and Vayudoot, the airport is currently not operational for regular commercial passenger flights, with most traffic in the region now utilizing the more modern Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (VDY). The terminal infrastructure at Bellary is modest and reflects its role as a regional airstrip primarily used for general aviation, government flights, and private charters related to the area's massive iron ore mining industry. The single domestic terminal provides basic passenger facilities including a waiting hall, check-in counters, and administrative offices. Because there are no scheduled commercial operations as of 2024, the facility lacks the high-tech security and baggage systems found at major Indian hubs. Instead, all processing for authorized charter flights is handled manually by local staff and security personnel. The airfield is strictly daylight-only and operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), serving as a critical standby facility for the North Karnataka region. Amenities within the Bellary terminal are limited to the essentials for occasional visitors. While there is a small snack bar and basic restrooms, travelers will not find extensive dining, retail, or Wi-Fi services at the airfield. Ground transportation is straightforward, with the city center located just a few kilometers away. Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are typically available by pre-arrangement to meet arriving charter flights. The airport's location provides a historical gateway to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, although most tourists now arrive via the better-equipped Vidyanagar Airport. Despite its current limited use, there are ongoing state government discussions regarding the development of a new greenfield airport for Bellary to support future industrial and tourism growth.