Monday, May 12, 2025
Star Air, a prominent regional airline in India, has announced a major network expansion, introducing new direct flight services from Kolhapur to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Nagpur, starting on May 15, 2025. This expansion is part of the airline’s summer schedule, aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity and providing passengers with more seamless travel options to some of India’s key cities.
Currently, Star Air operates 16 weekly flights from Kolhapur to major destinations including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Tirupati. With the addition of Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Nagpur to its route map, the airline will now serve seven cities from Kolhapur. The new destinations will bring the total number of weekly flights from Kolhapur to 28, significantly increasing travel options for local residents and improving overall connectivity to key urban centers.
The new routes come in response to rising demand for air travel between smaller cities and major hubs. Kolhapur, a city with a rich cultural heritage and growing economic potential, has seen increasing demand for direct flight connections to commercial centers such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Nagpur. By adding these new routes, Star Air is offering passengers faster, more convenient travel options, reducing the need for connecting flights and enhancing travel efficiency for business and leisure travelers alike.
In conjunction with the new flight routes, Star Air is also upgrading its fleet to better accommodate growing passenger demand. Starting May 15, the airline will replace its 50-seater Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft with the larger, more comfortable 76-seater Embraer ERJ-175 aircraft. The new aircraft will feature a business class cabin, ensuring that passengers have access to a premium travel experience on key routes like Kolhapur-Mumbai-Kolhapur and Kolhapur-Ahmedabad-Kolhapur. The addition of a business class option reflects Star Air’s commitment to offering more comfortable and flexible travel choices for its passengers.
The fleet upgrade is a strategic move to enhance the overall passenger experience and cater to the increasing demand for air travel in the regional sector. The new aircraft will provide more seating capacity and improved amenities, offering a more comfortable journey for passengers. The business class seating, in particular, is expected to attract travelers seeking an elevated flying experience, making the flights even more appealing for business professionals and high-end leisure travelers.
This expansion and fleet upgrade are part of Star Air’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in the regional air travel market, particularly in underserved areas. The airline’s growth strategy is focused on connecting smaller cities with larger urban centers, ensuring that people in less-connected regions have access to reliable, efficient, and affordable air travel. By adding new destinations to its network and enhancing its fleet, Star Air is working to bridge the connectivity gap in India’s aviation sector.
Looking ahead, Star Air plans to further grow its operations by offering a total of 32 weekly flights from Kolhapur to seven destinations starting June 3, 2025. These destinations include Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Tirupati, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Kishangarh, expanding the airline’s footprint and offering passengers greater flexibility and more travel options. This expansion is expected to enhance regional connectivity and provide a boost to tourism and business travel in Kolhapur and the surrounding areas.
Kolhapur, known for its historical landmarks, cultural heritage, and religious significance, is already a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. The new direct flights to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Nagpur will make it even easier for tourists to visit the city, potentially boosting local tourism and benefiting the region’s hospitality industry. In addition to tourism, the expanded flight network will facilitate smoother business travel, connecting Kolhapur to key economic hubs across India.
As part of its ongoing growth strategy, Star Air is also committed to further expanding its fleet and route network in the coming years. The airline’s future plans include adding more destinations and aircraft, with the aim of enhancing connectivity to even more cities in India. The airline is focused on meeting the evolving needs of regional air travelers and positioning itself as a key player in the country’s aviation sector.
By focusing on underserved markets and offering direct flight options, Star Air is contributing to the growth of regional connectivity in India. The airline’s expansion aligns with the country’s increasing demand for air travel, especially in areas where flight options have traditionally been limited. As India’s aviation sector continues to grow, airlines like Star Air are helping to meet the demand for improved regional connectivity, making travel easier, faster, and more affordable for millions of passengers.
In conclusion, the introduction of direct flights from Kolhapur to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Nagpur, along with the upgrade of its fleet, marks a significant step in Star Air’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity in India. By improving air travel options and providing more convenience for passengers, the airline is strengthening its role in India’s regional aviation market. With its expanded network and fleet upgrades, Star Air is poised to offer passengers greater flexibility, comfort, and convenience as it continues to grow its presence in India’s dynamic aviation landscape.
