Daijiworld Media Network - Ballari

Ballari, Oct 26: Regional airline Star Air has announced the launch of daily flights connecting Bengaluru and Hampi, commencing November 1.

The flights will operate via Vidyanagar (Toranagallu) Jindal Airport, located near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, providing a significant boost to tourism and business in Ballari and Vijayanagar districts.

According to the airline, “Tourists can now easily visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi from Bengaluru. Daily flights from Bengaluru will depart at 7:50 am, arriving at Vidyanagar Airport at 8:40 am. The return flight from Vidyanagar will depart at 9:10 am and reach Bengaluru by 10 am,” Star Air said.

The announcement has been widely welcomed by tourists and local business communities. Operations at JSW Vidyanagar Airport had been suspended for the past month, causing inconvenience to travellers and local residents.

The resumption of services through Vidyanagar Airport is expected to substantially improve connectivity to Hampi, one of South India’s most popular tourist destinations, and also benefit Ballari.

Virupakshi V Hampi, secretary of the State Tourist Guides’ Association and Hampi guides, said, “Hampi is about 35 km from JSW Vidyanagar Airport. At present, many tourists use Hubballi Airport, which is roughly 150 km away. I am grateful to Star Air for providing this much-needed service.”

Previously, Alliance Air had operated daily flights between Hampi and Bengaluru, but these services were suspended due to technical reasons. With Star Air’s new daily schedule, passengers can now enjoy faster, convenient travel between Bengaluru and Hampi, enhancing both tourism opportunities and local commerce.

Star Air’s service is expected to play a key role in promoting regional tourism and supporting business travel in the Ballari and Vijayanagar districts, while providing a reliable and time-saving alternative for visitors to Hampi’s historic sites.