Regional carrier Star Air quietly suspended its daily Belagavi–Mumbai flight from 25 December, re-routing the aircraft to Nanded and leaving Belagavi without a direct link to India’s financial capital. Airport officials said they received no prior notice and have asked the airline for clarification.
Belagavi hosts major auto-component and aerospace suppliers; executives often rely on the 90-minute hop to connect with OEMs and investors in Mumbai. Without the flight, travellers face a six-hour drive to Hubballi or a circuitous connection via Bengaluru.
![Star Air pulls Belagavi–Mumbai non-stop, disrupting Karnataka-Maharashtra business corridor]()
IndiGo has expressed interest in launching the route but has yet to file slots with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Travel-management companies report a spike in last-minute rail bookings and corporate car hires.
The suspension comes as Star Air shifts capacity to underserved Tier-2 cities under the UDAN regional-connectivity scheme. Industry analysts warn that inconsistent schedules can erode corporate confidence in smaller carriers.
Mobility managers with operations in Karnataka’s industrial cluster should update travel guidelines and explore charter or codeshare options until a replacement service is confirmed.
Belagavi hosts major auto-component and aerospace suppliers; executives often rely on the 90-minute hop to connect with OEMs and investors in Mumbai. Without the flight, travellers face a six-hour drive to Hubballi or a circuitous connection via Bengaluru.
IndiGo has expressed interest in launching the route but has yet to file slots with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Travel-management companies report a spike in last-minute rail bookings and corporate car hires.
The suspension comes as Star Air shifts capacity to underserved Tier-2 cities under the UDAN regional-connectivity scheme. Industry analysts warn that inconsistent schedules can erode corporate confidence in smaller carriers.
Mobility managers with operations in Karnataka’s industrial cluster should update travel guidelines and explore charter or codeshare options until a replacement service is confirmed.
Source: The Times of India
