Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Star Air has expanded its regional aviation network by improving connectivity to Kolhapur in Maharashtra and Belagavi in Karnataka. The airline has launched a daily direct flight between Belagavi and Mumbai while strengthening Kolhapur's air links with cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kishangarh, and Indore. The move is aimed at improving access to important industrial and business centres in western and southern India. Along with the new routes, Star Air plans to increase its weekly flight operations from 455 to around 550 flights in the summer schedule to meet the growing demand for regional air travel.
Regional airline Star Air has expanded its flight network by introducing new services that strengthen connectivity to Kolhapur in Maharashtra and Belagavi in Karnataka. The airline is focusing on improving travel links between emerging regional cities and major commercial centres as demand for regional aviation continues to grow. Advertisement
A key part of the expansion is the launch of a daily direct flight between Belagavi and Mumbai. The new service improves access between north Karnataka and the country's financial capital, making travel easier for business travellers, industrial stakeholders, and passengers connecting to other domestic and international flights from Mumbai.
Kolhapur has also received improved air connectivity as part of the airline's expansion plan. The city now has stronger flight links to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru. In addition to these routes, Kolhapur will also be connected to Kishangarh in Rajasthan and Indore in Madhya Pradesh. These connections are expected to improve access for passengers travelling for business, trade, tourism, and religious visits.
The airline explained that both Kolhapur and Belagavi are important economic centres in their respective regions. Kolhapur is known for its manufacturing industries, including engineering, foundry units, and textile production, which generate regular business travel demand. The city is also an important cultural and tourism destination in western Maharashtra, attracting visitors to places such as the Mahalakshmi Temple.
Belagavi, located near the Maharashtra Karnataka border, has developed into a key industrial hub with sectors such as engineering, automobile components, and manufacturing contributing to its economy. Its strategic location between major cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Goa makes it an important regional gateway, which has increased the demand for reliable air connectivity.
The airline indicated that strengthening connectivity to these cities is part of its broader network expansion strategy. According to Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Star Air, Kolhapur and Belagavi are important markets for the airline. She stated that the company is focusing on improving access to these regions while continuing to expand its footprint in India's regional aviation sector.
Along with the introduction of new routes, Star Air also plans to increase the number of flights it operates across its network. The airline intends to expand its weekly schedule from around 455 flights to about 550 flights during the upcoming summer travel season. The increase in frequency is aimed at addressing the rising demand for regional connectivity across several cities.
Star Air operates as the aviation arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group and has steadily grown its presence in India's regional aviation market in recent years. The airline has focused on connecting smaller and mid-sized cities that traditionally had limited access to direct flights. By expanding services in these locations, the company has been gradually strengthening regional air travel options for passengers across multiple states.
The latest expansion to Kolhapur and Belagavi continues this strategy, improving connectivity for travellers while supporting economic and business movement between regional centres and major metropolitan hubs.
Source PTI
FAQ
1. What new routes has Star Air introduced?
Star Air has expanded its regional network by launching a daily direct flight between Belagavi and Mumbai. This new route is expected to improve travel for business passengers, industrial stakeholders, and travellers connecting to domestic and international flights from Mumbai.
2. How has connectivity to Kolhapur improved?
The airline has strengthened air links to Kolhapur, connecting the city with Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kishangarh, and Indore, along with improved connectivity to Mumbai. These routes are expected to support business travel, tourism, and regional trade.
3. Why are Kolhapur and Belagavi important for regional aviation?
Kolhapur is known for its engineering, foundry, and textile industries and is also a cultural destination, home to the Mahalakshmi Temple. Belagavi, located near the Maharashtra-Karnataka border, has a strong manufacturing and automobile components sector and serves as a strategic gateway between major cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Goa.
4. How will this expansion benefit travellers and businesses?
The improved connectivity will make travel easier for business professionals, traders, tourists, and pilgrims, enabling faster movement between regional cities and major economic hubs. It also enhances access to Mumbai's international aviation network for passengers from western and southern India.
5. What changes are planned for Star Air's flight schedule?
Star Air plans to increase its weekly operations from around 455 flights to about 550 flights during the upcoming summer schedule. The increase aims to accommodate growing demand for regional air travel across multiple Indian cities.
6. Who operates Star Air and what is its strategy?
Star Air operates as the aviation arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group. The airline focuses on connecting smaller and mid-sized cities that traditionally had limited direct flight access, helping strengthen regional aviation and economic connectivity across India.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
