JD(S) leader H D Deve Gowda on Saturday said the HAL Airport in Bengaluru should be re-opened for civilian traffic and opposed the expansion of Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli.

The on-going work on the second runway at KIA has caused inconvenience to people. Instead of expanding KIA, steps should be taken to re-open HAL Airport for civilian use, he told reporters, adding that he will soon hold a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju in this regard.

The HAL Airport was closed for commercial use ever since KIA started operations. It is currently being used only for military flying, test flights, chartered and VIP flights.

Besides, Gowda also said he will request the union minister to explore the possibility of establishing an airport near Electronics City, as demanded by Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy.

He criticised the government’s handling of the law and order situation during Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s visit to Mangaluru. “Is Mangaluru under RSS rule? Is this the way to treat the chief minister of a neighbouring state?” he asked.

Gowda to stage dharna

Gowda threatened to stage an indefinite dharna in front of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s official residence if the government fails to ensure drinking water to people in Hassan district.