How a regional airline is connecting India's underserved interior

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While major carriers focus on massive hubs, Star Air is carving out a different niche. By leveraging specific government schemes and a specialized fleet, this Bengaluru-based airline is bridging the gap between major cities and smaller domestic destinations across the Indian subcontinent.

Star Air began its journey in 2017 when the Sanjay Ghodawat Group sought government permission to establish a regional carrier. The airline officially commenced operations in January 2019, launching its inaugural flight from Bengaluru to Hubli. A key driver for its growth has been India's UDAN scheme, a central government initiative designed to improve regional connectivity by making flights to smaller airports more accessible. The company acquired its very first plane in June 2018. It secured its official Air Operator's Certificate in early 2019. These steps paved the way for its expansion beyond the state of Karnataka.

The airline's operational strategy is defined by its specialized fleet. Unlike many carriers that use a mix of aircraft types, Star Air operates an all-Embraer fleet, specifically utilizing the ERJ 145LR and the E175. The E175ER, which was first inducted in May 2023, allowed the airline to introduce select business class seating. The fleet includes three ERJ 145 models and eight E175 models as of late 2025. This specific mix supports their regional focus.

By April 2025, the airline reached a milestone of ten aircraft, a fleet composition that balances capacity with the requirements of regional routes. Logistically, the airline is anchored in Bengaluru, with its headquarters located at the KIADB Hi-Tech Defence and Aerospace Park. While it initially focused on Karnataka, it has expanded to 32 domestic destinations as of October 2026. A formal agreement was reached between Star Air and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited during September 2025, aiming to create a specific maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility located in Nashik to facilitate expansion. This move ensures the airline can maintain its specific Embraer fleet independently as it scales its presence across India. The airline maintains a secondary hub at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. This provides a strategic base alongside its primary Bengaluru location.

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