In a staggering blow to the connectivity of Belagavi, Star Air has pulled the plug on yet another vital route. Following the abrupt cancellation of the Belagavi-Surat and Belagavi-Kishangarh flights, the airline has now ceased bookings of its Belagavi-Jodhpur route, effective July 19th.
This decision is a severe setback, especially considering the Belagavi-Jodhpur direct flight, launched in 2021, under the Centre’s ambitious UDAN scheme. The route, which had enjoyed UDAN benefits for three years, saw its subsidy expire in March 2024. Despite operating without these benefits and maintaining a 100% passenger load, Star Air has terminated bookings for this crucial link.
The cessation of the Belagavi-Jodhpur flight comes on the heels of the recent discontinuation of the Belagavi-Surat and Belagavi-Kishangarh routes. These flights were lifelines for the residents of Belagavi, offering convenient connections that have now been severed.
Travelers are left with no choice but to endure a grueling 1450 km journey, taking approximately 25 hours by road. The non-stop flights have significantly eased travel for countless individuals, and their absence marks a severe inconvenience.
Currently, Belagavi Airport’s direct flights include:
- Ahmedabad (Star Air)
- Jodhpur (Star Air, until July 19th)
- Mumbai (Star Air)
- Tirupati (Star Air)
- Nagpur (Star Air)
- Jaipur (Star Air)
- Bengaluru (Indigo)
- Hyderabad (Indigo)
- New Delhi (Indigo)
- Bhuj (via Ahmedabad, Star Air)
With Star Air’s recent track record of sudden route cancellations, the pressing question remains: Which Belagavi route will face the axe next?
Star Air has Belgavi as its second hub. The recent action indicates some different intentions. Their expansion in other sectors is also cause of concern for we Belgavis.
Very bad news