Star Air Airlines Launches Direct Flight Services from VSS Airport to Lucknow and Raipur
Jharsuguda: In a significant boost to regional air connectivity, Star Air Airlines launched its direct flight services to Lucknow and Raipur from Veer Surendra Sai (VSS) Airport, Jharsuguda, on February 1.
Star Air will operate flights to Lucknow four days a week—Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The same flight will connect Raipur thrice a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday.
During the inaugural ceremony, a cake-cutting event was held at VSS Airport in the presence of Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, Airport Director Sandeep Kumar Tiwari, officials from Star Air Airlines, and representatives from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Speaking to TOI, Jharsuguda Airport Director Sandeep Tiwari said, “I am very happy to inform you that Star Air Airlines is launching its flight service to Lucknow, operating four days a week, and connecting Raipur three days a week. The aircraft operating this route will be the Embraer 175, with a capacity of 76 passengers. Last month, we started flight services to Hyderabad, and this same flight will arrive from Hyderabad to Jharsuguda before departing for Lucknow. On its return, it will fly from Lucknow to Jharsuguda and then continue to Hyderabad, operating four days a week. Similarly, three days a week, the flight will arrive from Hyderabad to Jharsuguda, then depart for Raipur, and return via the same route.”
Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy expressed his enthusiasm for the new services, stating, “This is a proud moment for Jharsuguda. After winning the 2024 election, I met the Civil Aviation Minister and requested flight services for key destinations, including Mumbai, Raipur, Lucknow, and Hyderabad, from VSS Airport. On behalf of the residents of Jharsuguda, I extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. With the ongoing Maha Kumbh, this connectivity to Lucknow will be especially beneficial for travelers. I also want to thank Star Air Airlines and the airport officials for their efforts. In the coming days, Veer Surendra Sai Airport will become one of the most important airports in Odisha.”
