Regional carrier Star Air has commenced flight operations between Bengaluru and Jindal Vidyanagar Airport, near Hampi in Karnataka, from November 1, adding the UNESCO World Heritage site city as the 32nd destination in its expanding network.

The airline announced the new route on Monday, marking another milestone in its ongoing push to enhance regional air travel and accessibility to India’s heritage hubs.

Expanding network across India

In the past two months, Star Air has added several tier-II and tier-III destinations such as Gondia, Indore, Bhubaneswar, Purnia, Solapur, Surat, Jamnagar, Bhuj, and Bidar, expanding its network by nearly 25 per cent.

This strategic expansion aligns with the airline’s broader vision of connecting smaller Indian cities with efficient and affordable air services under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

The newly launched Vidyanagar route, in particular, is expected to give a major boost to tourism in Hampi, which attracts both domestic and international visitors for its ancient temples and architecture dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire.

Commitment to regional connectivity

“The commencement of our operations at Vidyanagar is a proud moment for Star Air. This route not only enhances connectivity to Hampi, a jewel of India’s heritage, but also strengthens our commitment to promoting regional air travel in Karnataka,” said Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Star Air.

She added, “Our mission remains clear — to connect India’s smaller cities and heritage hubs with quality air services that are secure, swift, and sincere. With every new route, we reaffirm our promise of building a truly connected India.”

The airline operates under the Ghodawat Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. group and has steadily grown since its inception, serving regional destinations across southern and western India with Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft.

Boost for tourism and trade

Hampi, known for its archaeological significance and UNESCO World Heritage tag, has long required better connectivity from major cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The new air route is expected to benefit not just tourists but also business travellers and local industries in and around Bellary and Vijayanagar districts.

Tourism authorities have welcomed the new route, expecting it to reduce travel time from Bengaluru to Hampi from nearly six hours by road to just about an hour by air. Improved connectivity is also expected to spur local economic activity, including hospitality and handicrafts.

Building a connected India

Star Air’s expansion into Vidyanagar comes amid a growing trend of regional airlines tapping underserved markets in India’s aviation sector. With the government’s continued push for infrastructure development and airport modernisation, smaller towns and heritage sites are increasingly gaining air links to metro cities.

By introducing services to destinations like Hampi, Star Air continues to position itself as a key regional player contributing to India’s aviation growth story.

Conclusion

With the addition of Vidyanagar to its network, Star Air reinforces its goal of strengthening regional air travel and cultural tourism in India. As connectivity improves, heritage-rich destinations such as Hampi are set to benefit from increased visitor inflow, supporting both local economies and the preservation of India’s historic legacy