Star Air Expands Network: New Direct Flights Link Ahmedabad and Diu

Regional carrier Star Air announced new direct flight services starting January 15. The airline will connect Ahmedabad and Diu directly. It will also launch a route from Kolhapur to Nanded. This service will include a stopover in Ahmedabad.

This expansion leverages Ahmedabad as a key network hub for the airline. The new routes strengthen regional air connectivity across western India. Star Air is the aviation arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group.

Strategic Network Expansion

The new services enhance inter-city travel within Maharashtra. They also provide convenient access to Gujarat. The route additions offer improved options for many travelers. This includes business travelers, pilgrims, students, and families.

Star Air's Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Shilpa Bhatia, commented on the move. She stated the new services underscore a strategic focus on Gujarat. The airline views Gujarat as a critical market for growth. Star Air is confident in the increasing demand for reliable regional air travel. Bhatia noted that expanding routes and frequencies supports tourism. It also fuels regional economic growth and development.

Ahmedabad will now offer direct flights to both Kolhapur and Diu. Furthermore, passengers can access Goa (Mopa) with one convenient stop via Diu. This strategic move aligns with the airline's mission. Star Air focuses on providing affordable and convenient travel options.

Fleet and Market Context

Star Air operates an all-Embraer fleet of regional jets. The fleet includes the ERJ 145LR and the E175 models. These aircraft are well-suited for regional routes. They can operate from smaller airports with shorter runways.

This expansion is part of a larger trend in the domestic aviation market. India’s regional aviation sector is experiencing a boom. Policy support and rising domestic travel demand drive this growth. The western region of India currently dominates the market. It held a significant market share of 35.0% in 2024. The overall Indian aviation market is projected for strong growth. It is estimated to reach $40.81 billion by 2033. This represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.21% from 2025 to 2033.

Regional carriers like Star Air are vital to this growth. They connect underserved Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Approximately 65% of Star Air’s routes operate under the UDAN scheme. This highlights the scheme's role in sustaining regional air connectivity. Global bodies like IATA recognize this potential. The Indian market is expected to become the world's third-largest by 2030. Major carriers, including IndiGo, have also focused on regional segments.

• Opportunity: The new route opens a direct air link to Diu. Diu is a coastal tourist destination. This supports the local tourism economy.
• Challenge: Sustaining profitability on new regional air connectivity routes remains a challenge. This is despite the support from the UDAN scheme.
• Impact: The routes strengthen the hub-and-spoke model at Ahmedabad. This improves travel efficiency for passengers across four states.

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