IndiGo Launches Belagavi-Navi Mumbai Flights from March 29
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IndiGo will launch daily flights between Belagavi and Navi Mumbai from March 29, restoring a key regional route previously served by Star Air.
Key Takeaways
- •Launches daily direct flights between Belagavi (IXG) and Navi Mumbai (NMI) on March 29.
- •Restores a critical air link that was suspended by Star Air in December 2025.
- •Operates as part of IndiGo's network expansion from the new Navi Mumbai airport.
- •Follows advocacy from local officials, including MP Jagadish Shettar, to the Union Civil Aviation Minister.
Indian carrier IndiGo will commence daily direct flights between Belagavi (IXG) and the new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) starting March 29. The new service restores a vital air link for the Karnataka border town to India's financial capital, filling a critical gap left after the previous operator suspended the route. The move is part of the airline's broader strategy to build its network from the recently inaugurated Navi Mumbai airport, aiming to enhance regional connectivity.
The re-establishment of the Belagavi-Mumbai connection addresses persistent demand from business travelers, students, and residents of the region who rely on the route for commerce and onward international travel. The previous service, operated by Star Air, was terminated on December 25, 2025, creating a significant connectivity challenge. According to industry analysis, the demand for this route has been consistently high, prompting concerted efforts from local political and industrial leaders to lobby for its swift restoration.
Flight Schedule and Operations
According to the published schedule, the daily IndiGo flight will depart Navi Mumbai (NMI) at 10:20 am, arriving at Belagavi Airport (IXG) at 11:35 am. The return leg will depart Belagavi at 5:35 pm and land in Navi Mumbai at 6:45 pm. These timings are designed to facilitate business travel, allowing for a full day of meetings in either city. While IndiGo has not formally disclosed the aircraft type for the route, its regional operations frequently utilize ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, which are well-suited for such short-haul sectors.
The new Belagavi service is a key component of IndiGo's initial phase of operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airline's strategy focuses on enhancing connections between major metropolitan hubs and Tier-II and Tier-III cities across India. This approach aims to capture growing regional demand and alleviate congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai.
Government Advocacy and Route Restoration
The decision to launch the flights follows direct engagement between local representatives and the central government. Belagavi Member of Parliament (MP) Jagadish Shettar confirmed the new service following a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu. In a press statement, Shettar's office noted that he had highlighted the urgent need to reconnect Belagavi with key economic centers, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune.
This advocacy underscores the critical role that regional air connectivity plays in the economic development of Tier-II cities. Belagavi is an important industrial and manufacturing hub in Karnataka, and the absence of a direct flight to Mumbai was seen as a significant impediment to business growth and investment. The launch by IndiGo, a major national carrier, provides a stable and reliable travel option that was previously uncertain. The service is part of a wider network expansion by IndiGo from the NMI facility, signaling the airport's growing importance in the national aviation landscape.
Why This Matters
The launch of the IndiGo Belagavi-Navi Mumbai route is significant for several reasons. Primarily, it demonstrates the airline's commitment to expanding regional connectivity and leveraging new airport infrastructure to de-risk its operations from congested primary airports. For the city of Belagavi, it restores a crucial economic lifeline, potentially boosting trade, tourism, and access to services in Mumbai. This development also highlights the effectiveness of targeted political advocacy in influencing airline network planning to meet regional transportation needs.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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