The launch of Star Air services follows the development of a new passenger terminal that boosts air connectivity in Kutch region of Gujarat.

An Embraer E175 aircraft from Goa touched down at Mundra airport on Tuesday morning marking the launch of scheduled passenger services.

The launch of Star Air services follows the development of a new passenger terminal that boosts air connectivity in Kutch region of Gujarat.

While Bhuj and Kandla airports in Kutch handle regular passenger flights, traffic at Mundra has been limited to non scheduled operations. These include business jets and an air taxi service from Ahmedabad operated by three-seater Tecnam aircraft. 

From Tuesday Mundra airport is being linked to Mumbai, Hindon and Surat in addition to Goa by Star Air.

“We will be gradually adding flights here. We need our own connectivity as partners and employees frequently visit the city. There will also be tourism travel, which will add to demand,” said Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd .

“major breakthrough”

Adani described the launch of direct connectivity to Mumbai as a “major breakthrough” for Mundra and said improved links with metro cities would provide a significant boost to the region’s economic development.

Star Air chief executive officer Simran Singh Tiwana doesn’t see Mundra airport cannibalising traffic from Bhuj. While Bhuj is connected with Delhi, Star Air is flying to Hindon. “We are also connecting Mundra with Goa. I think Mundra has a huge potential,” he added.

According to local MLA Aniruddha Dave, the Mundra airport will also benefit residents who are settled in West Asia and UK.

Bhuj airport handled 2.8 lakh passengers last fiscal. Though it is an established market it has limitations as the airport is controlled by air force.

“ We are happy with the new connectivity. However we hope that it remains sustainable,” said Surat resident Mona Agarwal who flew to Mundra on Tuesday.

“It takes 10-12 hours by road from Bilimora to Kutch. The flight took 45 minutes and so it’s convenient for us,” said Suchi Patel who flew in from Surat.

Published on June 23, 2026