Bengaluru-based Sanjay Ghodawat Group’s Star Air has strengthened its commitment to regional connectivity with the addition of its 10th aircraft, a modern Embraer E175 jet. With this expansion, the airline is set to operate over 50 daily flights across 24 destinations from May 15, 2025.

As part of its aggressive growth strategy, the carrier has also announced 15 new routes, reinforcing its position as a key player in India’s regional aviation landscape. Star Air remains the only airline to have successfully completed six uninterrupted years in regional aviation operations, a major milestone in a sector often marred by volatility and sustainability challenges.

“While the aviation sector is facing supply chain disruptions and expansion hurdles, Star Air's steady, strategic growth and strong business fundamentals uniquely position us for success,” said Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO of Star Air.

“Our expansion aligns perfectly with our vision of connecting Real India. We are committed to sustainable, dependable growth that strengthens regional connectivity, empowers smaller cities, and fulfils the aspirations of the next billion travellers.”

Since launching operations in 2019, the airline has flown nearly 1.5 million passengers and currently operates 300 weekly flights, a number expected to grow to 350 during the upcoming summer season. Star Air plans to scale its fleet to 25 aircraft by March 2026 with the induction of four more Embraer E175 jets.

This expansion is closely aligned with the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which aims to democratise air travel and improve accessibility for underserved regions. By connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities, Star Air plays a vital role in driving inclusive growth in aviation, fostering regional tourism and enhancing intra-state connectivity.

India’s regional aviation sector is undergoing a critical transformation, buoyed by government initiatives like UDAN, improved airport infrastructure, and a growing demand for air travel beyond metros. However, the sector continues to face challenges such as high operating costs, aircraft availability and limited MRO infrastructure. In this context, Star Air’s sustained operations and pragmatic expansion serve as a case study in resilience and regional relevance.