Star Air, India’s key regional carrier, is making a big impact on Indian aviation by connecting unserved and underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with affordable fares. Since starting operations in January 2019, the airline has carried nearly 1.5 million passengers and now serves 32 domestic destinations across India.
What Led to Star Air’s Growth
Star Air is the aviation arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), a prominent Indian business conglomerate. The airline became a proud and active participant in the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to provide regional air connectivity to smaller cities.
Key milestones in Star Air’s journey:
- January 2019: commenced operations
- 2025: Completed six years of uninterrupted UDAN route operations
- January 25, 2026: Marked seven years of flying to regional unserved and underserved India
- 2025: Inducted its 10th aircraft (Embraer E175) and added 15 new routes
- May 2026: Flying to 32 domestic destinations with hubs at Bengaluru and Hyderabad
Star Air’s Fleet and Operations
Star Air operates a modern fleet of 9-10 Embraer aircraft, comprising:
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Seats | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embraer E145 | 4 | ~50 | 2×2 layout |
| Embraer E175 | 5-6 | 76 | 2-class (12 business + 64 economy) |
The airline maintains a robust schedule of 300 weekly flights under UDAN, set to grow to 350 weekly flights during summer. Star Air plans to operate a fleet of 25 aircraft by 2027.
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Key Developments and Facts
Recent Route Expansions (2025-2026)
Star Air has been expanding rapidly with multiple new routes:
May 2025 Expansion (8 new routes):
- Ahmedabad – Diu – Ahmedabad (5 times/week)
- Ahmedabad – Belgaum – Ahmedabad (6 times/week)
- Nagpur – Kolhapur – Nagpur (5 times/week)
- Bengaluru – Goa (Mopa) – Bengaluru (5 times/week)
- Diu – Goa (Mopa) – Diu (5 times/week)
- Bengaluru – Kolhapur – Bengaluru (3 times/week)
- Hyderabad – Belgaum – Hyderabad (2 times/week)
- Hyderabad – Kolhapur – Hyderabad (2 times/week)
December 2025 – January 2026 New Services:
- Started operations from Loknete D. B. Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport (December 25, 2025)
- Navi Mumbai to Ahmedabad, Goa (Mopa), Bengaluru, and Nanded
- Daily direct flights between Kolhapur and Mumbai (March 3, 2026)
- Daily direct service between Belagavi and Mumbai (March 2026)
- Vidyanagar Airport operations commenced (November 1, 2025), gateway to Hampi UNESCO site
Star Air’s Destination Network
As of June 2026, Star Air flies to 32 domestic destinations. The state distribution shows:
| State | Number of Destinations |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 7 |
| Karnataka | 6 |
| Gujarat | 5 |
| Others | 14 (Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, etc.) |
Key destinations include: Ahmedabad, Ajmer (Kishangarh), Bengaluru, Belgaum, Bidar, Bhuj, Diu, Goa (Mopa), Hyderabad, Indore, Jamnagar, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Purnia, Raipur, Surat, Tirupati, and Vidyanagar.
Impact on Indian Passengers, Airlines, and Industry
How People Are Getting Benefits
1. Affordable Fares for Regional Travel
Star Air offers introductory fares that make air travel accessible:
| Route | Starting Fare |
|---|---|
| Kolhapur – Mumbai | ₹4,499 |
| Kolhapur – Bengaluru | ₹4,499 |
| Belagavi – Mumbai | ₹5,049 |
| Bengaluru – Bidar | ₹2,499 |
| Anniversary Sale (all network) | ₹1,777 |
These fares are significantly lower than what passengers would pay for long road or train journeys to reach major cities.
2. Complimentary Hot Meals on All Flights
Unlike many low-cost airlines, Star Air continues to offer hot food and beverages onboard across all its services since day one. This is a major benefit for passengers traveling on regional routes.
3. Two-Class Cabin Configuration
Star Air’s Embraer fleet features a 2×2 seating layout with dedicated business class and economy seating. This provides:
- More spacious seating compared to narrow-body jets
- No middle seats in business class
- Dedicated premium travel option for business passengers
4. Multiple Fare Options for Different Needs
Star Air offers four fare types in Economy and two in Business:
Fare Structure Details:
| Fare Type | Baggage | Meals | Seat Selection | Date Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Regular | 15kg | Chargeable | Chargeable | ₹3,000 beyond 72hrs |
| Star Flexi | 20kg | Chargeable | Chargeable | 1st change free |
| Star Comfort | 20kg | Complimentary | Complimentary | Free |
| Business Regular | 20kg | Complimentary | Complimentary | Free |
| Business Flexi | 20kg | Complimentary | Complimentary | Free |
5. Reliable On-Time Performance
Star Air’s commitment to reliability is reflected in its punctuality, with over 85% of flights from Kolhapur and Belagavi departing on schedule.
6. Connecting Economic Hubs
For Kolhapur’s industrialists, manufacturers, and exporters, direct flights mean:
- Improved access to Mumbai’s stock exchanges, ports, and corporate headquarters
- Accelerated supply chains and face-to-face negotiations
- Direct connections to Bengaluru’s IT and start-up ecosystem
Impact on Indian Aviation Industry
1. Strengthening UDAN Scheme
Star Air is the only regional airline to have completed six years of uninterrupted operations under UDAN. This demonstrates the sustainability of regional connectivity when operated properly.
2. Moving Beyond UDAN to Commercial Routes
Star Air is now moving beyond UDAN routes, venturing into more commercial city pairs while staying committed to its core mission. This shows regional airlines can grow sustainably.
3. First Indian Airline with Aviator Revenue Management System
In April 2025, Star Air became the first Indian airline to use the Aviator revenue management system, setting new standards for operational efficiency.
4. Potential $1 Billion Embraer E2 Order
Star Air is reportedly considering a $1 billion order for Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, which would be the biggest milestone for Embraer in India. This could unlock new routes between Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Expert Opinions and Quotes
Leadership Statements
Capt. Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO of Star Air:
We are proud to have completed seven years of serving the nation, connecting people, and fostering economic growth in regional India. Our focus has always been on providing essential air connectivity to underserved communities.
Ms. Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer:
Focusing on Kolhapur and Belagavi is central to our vision of strengthening our presence in India’s aviation sector. With every new route and every additional aircraft, we’re building bridges between businesses, families, and dreams.
Conclusion
Star Air is transforming Indian aviation by making air travel accessible to millions in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. With 32 destinations, fares starting from ₹1,777, complimentary hot meals, and 85% on-time performance, the airline is proving that regional connectivity can be sustainable and profitable. As Star Air plans to expand to 25 aircraft by 2027, Indian passengers in smaller cities can expect even more convenient and affordable flight options. Stay updated with airline360.in for more developments on Star Air and Indian aviation.
