Delegation seeks direct flights from Hubballi to Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Varanasi - The HinduPublished - August 29, 2026 08:09 pm IST - HUBBALLIA delegation led by Mahendra Singhi, member of the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities, met Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in Hubballi on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTA delegation led by Mahendra Singhi, member of the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities, has urged Union Minister for Education, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi to facilitate direct air services from Hubballi to Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Varanasi.The delegation met Mr. Joshi on Saturday and submitted a memorandum highlighting the need to strengthen air connectivity from north Karnataka. The members also felicitated Mr. Joshi on being entrusted with the additional responsibility of Minister of State for Education.The delegation said thousands of people from north Karnataka have business, industrial, social, religious, and family links with Gujarat, Rajasthan, and other parts of the country. In the absence of direct flights to Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Varanasi, passengers are required to travel through other cities, resulting in additional travel time and expenditure.The delegation said Hubballi airport was emerging as an important aviation hub for north Karnataka and that direct connectivity to major cities such as Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Varanasi would benefit passengers and provide a boost to trade, industry, tourism, religious travel, and employment opportunities.Mr. Singhi urged Mr. Joshi to take up the matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and airline operators.CBSE textbooksThe delegation also raised concerns over the delay in availability of textbooks for students of various classes under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).Mr. Joshi assured the delegation that he would take up the issues with the authorities concerned and initiate action.Published - August 29, 2026 08:09 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }