Star Air Commences Nagpur-Nanded Air Service Under UDAN Scheme
In a significant boost to regional air connectivity, Star Air is set to launch the Nagpur-Nanded-Nagpur flight route starting March 31, 2024. This development comes under the Central Government's flagship UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, aimed at enhancing affordable air travel to underserved and unserved airports across India.
Flight Schedule and Operational Details
The new air service will operate six days a week, with no flights scheduled on Fridays. The inaugural flight on March 31 will be welcomed at Nanded's Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Airport by Member of Parliament Ashok Chavan, marking a milestone for the region's aviation infrastructure.
The flight timings have been meticulously planned for passenger convenience:
- Nanded to Nagpur: Departure at 11:20 AM, arrival at 12:10 PM.
- Nagpur to Nanded: Departure at 12:40 PM, arrival at 1:30 PM.
This schedule ensures efficient turnaround times and optimal connectivity for travelers. The aircraft deployed on this route will be an 88-seat economy class configuration, emphasizing affordability and accessibility. After completing the Nagpur-Nanded leg, the same aircraft will proceed to Goa-Mopa, enhancing inter-regional connectivity.
Affordable Pricing and Passenger Benefits
In line with the UDAN scheme's objectives, Star Air has priced tickets starting from ₹2,326, making air travel economically viable for a broader segment of the population. This initiative is expected to bring major relief to Nagpur residents and is particularly beneficial for Sikh devotees visiting the revered Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, a prominent pilgrimage site.
The introduction of this route addresses long-standing demand for direct air links between these two important cities in Maharashtra, reducing travel time and improving accessibility for both business and leisure travelers.
Expansion of Star Air's Network
Concurrently, Star Air has announced a strategic modification to its existing Nagpur-Kishangarh (Ajmer) flight service. The airline is extending this route up to Pune, providing Nagpur passengers with an additional option to reach Pune via Kishangarh. This move demonstrates Star Air's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and offering flexible travel solutions.
Star Air's operational footprint in Nagpur includes previously launched flights to Belagavi, Pune, and Bengaluru. Currently, the Nagpur-Kishangarh route remains the only operational service, highlighting the significance of the new Nagpur-Nanded addition in expanding the airline's network and catering to underserved markets.
The launch under the UDAN scheme underscores the government's efforts to promote regional aviation, stimulate economic growth, and improve transportation infrastructure. This development is poised to benefit local economies, boost tourism, and provide a reliable air travel option for residents and pilgrims alike.
