Star Air, a regional airline based in Bengaluru, is set to begin flight operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The airline will start services from December 25, making it the first regional carrier
to fly out of the new airport.
With this move, Navi Mumbai International Airport will see its first set of commercial flights. Star Air’s entry marks an important step in expanding air travel options for people living in Navi Mumbai and nearby areas.
Flights To Start From December 25
From December 25, Star Air will operate flights connecting Navi Mumbai with Ahmedabad, Goa (Mopa), Bengaluru and Nanded. Some of these routes will include stopovers, such as Navi Mumbai to Bengaluru via Goa and Navi Mumbai to Nanded via Ahmedabad.
The airline will use its Embraer 175 aircraft for these services. These planes are commonly used for short and medium routes and are part of Star Air’s existing fleet.
The ticket price is Rs 5,100 for December 25 (starting at 3:05 pm from Navi Mumbai) while for December 25, the fare is Rs 3,600.
Airline Says Focus Is On Regional Travel
According to The New Indian Express, Captain Simran Singh Tiwana, Chief Executive Officer of Star Air, said the airline is proud to be the only regional carrier starting operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport. He said the move reflects the company’s goal of connecting smaller cities and regions with faster and easier travel options.
“These new routes will give travellers from Navi Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region easy access to important regional cities through Star Air’s ever-growing network, while also opening new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment,” he said as quoted by the publication.
A Growing Airline With Expansion Plans
Star Air is the aviation arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group. It began commercial operations in 2019 and has steadily grown its network over the past few years. At present, the airline operates a fleet of 12 aircraft, which includes eight Embraer E175 planes and four Embraer E145 planes.
The company has plans to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft over the next three years as it adds more routes and destinations across India.
More Airlines To Follow At NMIA
Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed by Adani Airport Holdings in partnership with the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO). Adani Airport Holdings reportedly owns a 74 per cent stake in the project, while CIDCO holds the remaining 26 per cent.
Apart from Star Air, other major airlines such as IndiGo, Akasa Air and the Air India Group have already announced plans to start operations from the new airport once it becomes fully operational.
