Star Air Wins Best Airline for Regional UDAN Connectivity at “Connecting Real India” Awards

Star Air has been honoured with the **Best Airline for Regional/UDAN Connectivity** award at the “Connecting Real India” awards event, recognising its significant role in strengthening air connectivity under India’s flagship regional aviation initiative.

The award highlights Star Air’s contribution to expanding scheduled air services to underserved and regional destinations across the country, particularly through the government’s **Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN)** scheme. Since launching its regional network, Star Air has focused on linking smaller cities and towns with major metros, boosting economic linkages, tourism opportunities, and overall accessibility.

At the awards ceremony, organisers cited Star Air’s operational consistency, network growth and service reliability as key reasons for its selection. The airline’s commitment to connecting Real India — beyond traditional air travel corridors — has helped catalyse new passenger demand and supported regional development.

Industry experts say that flights on regional routes can transform local economies by reducing travel time, facilitating business engagement and promoting domestic tourism. By connecting tier‑II and tier‑III cities with larger hubs, Star Air has strengthened the UDAN scheme’s impact and helped unlock latent demand across previously under‑served air travel markets.

The airline’s leadership expressed gratitude on receiving the award, noting that regional connectivity remains a strategic priority. “This recognition reflects our team’s dedication to bringing affordable and reliable air services to every part of India,” a Star Air spokesperson said. The airline also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its UDAN‑era network.

The UDAN scheme — launched by the Government of India — provides financial incentives, including viability gap funding and reduced regulatory charges, to encourage carriers to operate routes that would otherwise be unviable commercially. Star Air has been one of the active participants in the programme, operating services that link smaller regional airports with larger gateways across states.

Aviation analysts say the accolade further cements Star Air’s reputation in the country’s regional aviation landscape. With increasing focus on balanced national connectivity and rising passenger traffic on short‑haul routes, regional carriers are playing a pivotal role in democratising air travel and enhancing mobility.

As India’s aviation ecosystem continues to grow, awards like Best Airline for Regional/UDAN Connectivity not only celebrate operational success but also spotlight how targeted policies and dedicated carriers together can build inclusive networks that benefit citizens across the length and breadth of the country.