Afzalpur MLA M.Y. Patil, with other dignitaries, inaugurating Star Air flight service at Kalaburagi Airport on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Air connectivity between Kalaburagi and Bengaluru was restored on Wednesday with Star Air resuming its flight service on the route after it was made possible through financial support extended by the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB).The resumption of flight services was marked by a simple function at Kalaburagi Airport with Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Chairman and Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima and Afzalpur MLA M.Y. Patil formally launching them.They distributed tickets to members of the family of Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) president Sharanabasappa Pappa who were among the passengers on the inaugural flight from Kalaburagi.The 76-seat Star Air flight arrived at Kalaburagi Airport at 7.40 a.m. after leaving Bengaluru at 6.30 a.m. with 74 passengers on board. The return flight left Kalaburagi at 8.10 a.m. carrying 50 passengers.Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, KKRDB Chairman Ajay Singh said that the restoration of air services will help boost tourism, investment and economic activity in the Kalyana Karnataka region.Air services between Bengaluru and Kalaburagi, as well as Bengaluru and Bidar, had remained suspended for several months. Following a meeting of Ministers from the Kalyana Karnataka region in March, it was decided to revive the services.The total financial requirement for restarting the Bengaluru-Kalaburagi and Bengaluru-Bidar routes was estimated at ₹28.44 crore. Of this, KKRDB has agreed to bear 80% of the cost, amounting to ₹22.76 crore, while the remaining 20% will be met by the Infrastructure Development Department.Star Air Airport Head C.A. Bopanna said that the flight service has received an encouraging response from passengers.“On the very first day, nearly 90% of seats from Bengaluru and 65% from Kalaburagi have been booked,” he said.He added that the airline will deploy passenger-friendly aircraft with seating capacities of 76 and 88 capable of cruising at a speed of 850 kmph. Star Air currently operates nine aircraft and expects two more aircraft to join its fleet in July and August.Responding to a query on the possibility of a Kalaburagi-Mumbai service, Mr. Bopanna said that there is demand for such a service. However, due to the rise in aviation fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the airline will consider launching the service once the situation stabilises.Deputy Commissioner Ikram Shariff said that the State government and the KKRDB have played a key role in reviving the flight service after months of suspension.He expressed the confidence that improved air connectivity will help attract investments and promote tourism in the region.Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa, Superintendent of Police Addur Srinivasulu, Kalaburagi Airport Director Kishore Killampalli, Tahsildar Anandsheel, Star Air South India Sales Manager Ahmed Sohail, Airport AGM Kiran S.T., KKCCI honorary secretary Shivaraj Inginshetti and other officials were present. Published - June 10, 2026 07:20 pm IST
