Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the long-awaited Solapur Airport on Wednesday, marking a major boost for regional connectivity in Maharashtra. He was joined at the ceremony by Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, as the Solapur–Mumbai flight service was officially launched.

Mohol had earlier announced on 10 October that commercial air services would commence from 15 October, connecting Solapur with Mumbai and Bengaluru. “Acknowledging the demand to connect Solapur by air, we are launching services to Mumbai and Bengaluru. Chief Minister Fadnavis has approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) required to initiate operations, and Star Air will operate the inaugural flights,” he said.

The Mumbai–Solapur flights will operate four times a week — on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Solapur–Mumbai flight departs at 12:55 pm, while the return flight from Mumbai leaves at 2:45 pm. Similarly, the Solapur–Bengaluru service departs at 4:15 pm, with the return flight from Bengaluru scheduled for 11:10 am.

Mohol emphasised that the launch of Solapur Airport will not only cut travel time but also promote employment, investment, and tourism in the region. “This new air connectivity will accelerate economic growth and open new opportunities for Solapur’s residents and industries,” he added.

The development of Solapur Airport marks a significant step in enhancing intra-state air connectivity under the government’s regional aviation push, aiming to link smaller cities with key business and tourism hubs.