NewsFlash Daily™
09 June 
Star Air will restart daily operations between Kalaburagi and Bengaluru from June 10, ending an eight-month disruption in regional air connectivity
Kalaburagi: In a major relief for air travellers in the Kalyana Karnataka region, flight services between Kalaburagi and Bengaluru are set to resume from June 10 after remaining suspended for nearly eight months. The much-awaited restart of operations is expected to significantly benefit business travellers, government officials, students and passengers requiring quick access to the state capital.
Kalaburagi Airport Director Kishore Killampalli confirmed that Star Air will officially recommence services on the route following the extension of financial support by the Karnataka government. The airline will operate flights throughout the week, restoring an important regional air link that had remained inactive since October last year.
Kalaburagi Bengaluru Flight Schedule Announced
Star Air will deploy its 76-seater Embraer 175 (E175) aircraft on the Kalaburagi-Bengaluru route.
According to the schedule, the flight will depart from Bengaluru at 6:30 am and arrive in Kalaburagi at 7:40 am. After a brief halt of 30 minutes, the return flight will take off from Kalaburagi at 8:10 am and head back to Bengaluru.
The early morning schedule is expected to be particularly convenient for entrepreneurs, government employees, professionals and passengers travelling to Bengaluru for urgent official, educational or medical purposes.
Eight-Month Wait Finally Comes to an End
The last commercial flight between Kalaburagi and Bengaluru operated on October 8, 2025. Since then, Kalaburagi Airport has been limited to handling helicopter movements and special chartered flights.
Two weeks ago, officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a comprehensive inspection of the airport's technical preparedness and granted clearance for the resumption of scheduled operations.
The restart marks a significant milestone for the region, ending months of uncertainty for frequent flyers who had been demanding the restoration of services.
Runway Upgrades and Improved Infrastructure
Despite the prolonged suspension of commercial flights, airport authorities utilised the period to upgrade critical infrastructure.
The airport's three-kilometre runway has undergone extensive renovation and maintenance work to ensure operational readiness. In addition, approximately nine kilometres of surrounding roads have been improved, and streetlights have been installed to enhance accessibility and passenger convenience.
Officials believe these developments will strengthen the airport's capability to handle increased passenger traffic in the future.
Special Bus Service and Flybrary Facility for Passengers
To improve last-mile connectivity, authorities have requested the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) to introduce dedicated bus services aligned with the flight schedule.
Under the proposal, a special bus will depart from Kalaburagi city at 5:30 am for the airport, while another service will leave the airport at 8:15 am following the arrival of the return flight.
In a unique initiative aimed at enriching passenger experience, airport authorities are also introducing a "Flybrary" facility, enabling travellers to access books and reading material while at the terminal.
Strong Passenger Demand Fuels Expansion Hopes
Official data indicates that between 2020 and 2025, a total of 5,792 flights operated on the Kalaburagi-Bengaluru sector, carrying more than 2.83 lakh passengers.
The robust demand has prompted residents and stakeholders to seek direct flight connectivity from Kalaburagi to other major destinations, including Mumbai, Delhi, Tirupati and Goa.
Authorities have stated that services to these cities could be launched in the future if airlines express interest and operational feasibility is established.
The resumption of the Kalaburagi-Bengaluru route is expected to boost economic activity, improve regional connectivity and provide a much-needed travel alternative for thousands of passengers across northern Karnataka.
