- Star Air will increase weekly flights from 455 to 550 as part of its summer schedule.
- A daily Belagavi–Mumbai service has been scheduled, while Kolhapur connectivity is being strengthened.
- The airline serves 31 destinations, has carried nearly 3 million passengers, and plans to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft.
Regional aviation in India has gradually expanded links between smaller industrial cities and the country’s major economic centres. Star Air, which began operations in 2019, has carried close to three million passengers and now serves 31 destinations across India. As part of its summer schedule, the airline plans to increase weekly operations from 455 flights to 550, reflecting rising demand across its network.
The latest expansion focuses on Kolhapur and Belagavi, two cities with strong industrial and commercial activity in western and southern India. A daily direct service between Belagavi and Mumbai has been scheduled, strengthening the link between North Karnataka and the country’s financial capital.
Connectivity from Kolhapur is also being reinforced through services to Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, along with links to Kishangarh and Indore, according to the airline’s announcement. To support the expanded services, the airline has introduced introductory fares starting at ₹4,499 on Kolhapur–Mumbai and Kolhapur–Bengaluru routes, while fares on the Belagavi–Mumbai route begin at ₹5,049.
Kolhapur has long been associated with engineering, manufacturing and foundry industries, while Belagavi functions as an industrial centre near the Maharashtra–Karnataka border.
Direct air links to cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru can shorten travel time for manufacturers, exporters and entrepreneurs who regularly interact with financial institutions, ports and corporate headquarters located in larger metropolitan centres.
Improved connectivity also affects travel beyond business. The airline says easier access between these cities and major hubs can support tourism, student travel and family visits while strengthening social and cultural links across the region.
Commenting on the expansion, Shilpa Bhatia said the airline’s growing network is intended to connect businesses, families and communities across regional India while improving access to air travel in underserved markets.
Star Air currently operates a fleet of 12 aircraft, including eight Embraer E175s and four Embraer E145s, and plans to expand the fleet to 25 aircraft over the next 36 months as it continues to widen its domestic network. Flights from Kolhapur and Belagavi have also maintained on-time departures above 85 per cent, according to the airline.
Also Read: How First-Time Air Connectivity Is Reshaping Small-City Economies in India
