Star Air on Wednesday announced the introduction of 24 new weekly flights that will strengthen air connectivity between Telangana and Odisha, including a new direct service between Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar and the reinstatement of the Bhubaneswar–Jharsuguda link. The services are scheduled to commence from 4 September 2026, the carrier said.
Service pattern and stated aims
The airline said the flights are aimed at improving access for business travellers, students, families and leisure passengers across the two states. According to the announcement, the new operations will run six days a week — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday — with no flights scheduled on Wednesdays.
Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Star Air, was quoted highlighting the carrier’s objective to bolster regional connectivity and support local economies. She said the new Hyderabad–Bhubaneswar link and the return of Bhubaneswar–Jharsuguda services will make it easier to reach key destinations in Odisha and Telangana, and will “support the needs of business travellers, students, families, and leisure seekers alike.”
What is known about the operations
The announcement specifies frequency and start date but does not publish detailed departure or arrival timings, aircraft type, or fares. The six-day operating pattern was given as the planned schedule. Star Air framed the expansion as part of a broader push to enhance regional connectivity and to “empower regional economies” by improving access between smaller cities and major hubs.
Travel stakeholders in Odisha often view such reinstatements and new links as welcome for improving market access, medical travel and educational mobility. Bhubaneswar, the state capital, is a frequent origin and destination for long-distance travel; Jharsuguda serves as an industrial and mining hub in western Odisha. Restoring a direct air link between Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda may reduce travel time for corporate and project-related movements.
Practical information for travellers
- Passengers should check the airline’s website or authorised agents for full schedules and fares once published.
- Given the September start date, those planning travel in the second half of 2026 are advised to book early to secure preferred flights.
- Travellers should confirm baggage allowance, check-in cut-offs and COVID-era travel advisories or documentation requirements that may still apply to connecting carriers or states.
Small table: Key operational details released
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New weekly flights | 24 |
| Start date | 4 September 2026 |
| Operating days | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| Routes highlighted | Hyderabad–Bhubaneswar; Bhubaneswar–Jharsuguda (reinstated) |
At the time of the announcement the carrier did not disclose whether the 24 weekly frequencies are evenly split across routes or concentrated on particular sectors, nor were specific aircraft types or fleet deployment details provided.
Regional impact and context
Stronger air links between Hyderabad and Odisha cities can have multiple effects: facilitating business travel and investments, improving access for students going to institutions across states, and enhancing tourism flows. Regional airlines frequently target these short-haul corridors to provide point-to-point services that reduce travel time compared with surface transport.
Odisha’s civil aviation strategy over recent years has emphasised improving intra-state and inter-state air connectivity, including smaller airports such as Jharsuguda and other non-metro destinations. Reinstatement of suspended services is often welcomed by local administrations and industry groups, provided schedules meet demand and ticket pricing remains competitive.
Travelers and businesses in Odisha should monitor official updates from Star Air and the Airports Authority of India for final schedules, slot confirmations and any promotional fares that may be announced ahead of the launch.
“With the introduction of direct Hyderabad–Bhubaneswar flights and the reinstatement of our Bhubaneswar–Jharsuguda services, we are strengthening connectivity across Telangana and Odisha,” Star Air’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer said in the statement.
Reporting note: The carrier provided the schedule outline and start date in its release; further operational specifics including exact timings, aircraft types and fares will be released by the airline in due course.
