As the winter timetable begins, domestic airlines are already gearing up for expansion, with Air India Express increasing its operations from Chennai and IndiGo reopening nearly all flights on the IndiGoStretch between Delhi and Mumbai. In this whirlwind, AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) has merged with Air India Express, while Vistara is set to merge with Air India later this month.
Data provided by Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, reveals intriguing statistics for November, marking the first complete month of operations following Vistara’s merger with Air India during the Northern Winter Schedule.
IndiGo Winter Flights
IndiGo has revealed the introduction of eight new flights along with the resumption of select routes for its winter timetable, greatly enhancing connectivity to India’s East and Northeast regions. This strategic growth includes unique links between Agartala and Dibrugarh, Guwahati and Dimapur, as well as improved international access with increased flights from Kolkata to Bangkok. By adding these routes, IndiGo aims to bolster tourism, trade, and cultural exchange in the Northeast and beyond.
New Flights to Strengthen Connectivity in Northeast India
IndiGo’s winter timetable is crafted to enhance accessibility to some of the Northeast’s vital cities, which have been relatively underserved by air travel. The airline has launched exclusive tri-weekly flights between Agartala and Dibrugarh, set to operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, commencing on October 29, 2024. This initiative marks the first-ever direct flight connecting these two culturally and economically significant cities in the Northeast, designed to offer both business and leisure travelers a more convenient travel option.
The airline has also announced new daily flights between Guwahati and Dimapur, alongside the resumption of direct service between Guwahati and Ahmedabad, effective December 10, 2024.
These daily routes will further enhance connectivity between the vibrant city of Guwahati—a vital entry point to Northeast India—and other regional and metropolitan destinations, promoting economic development and improving mobility for both residents and visitors.
Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, stated, “We are delighted to unveil these multiple new routes as part of our ongoing winter schedule. There’s an increase in demand, and these flights will further reinforce regional connectivity, fostering economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange. We remain dedicated to offering affordable fares, punctual performance, friendly service, and a seamless travel experience across an unparalleled network.”
Boosting International Travel with Increased Frequency on Kolkata-Bangkok Route
In response to rising demand, IndiGo plans to enhance the frequency of its Kolkata-Bangkok route, with new flights operating four times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting from November 24, 2024. This route, which has long been favored by travelers for both business and leisure purposes, is expected to attract more Indian tourists and improve connections for those traveling from eastern India to Southeast Asia.
With Bangkok being recognized as a top-tier travel hotspot—renowned for its iconic cultural attractions, lively markets, and vibrant nightlife—this surge in flight frequency is anticipated to promote additional travel between India and Thailand, positively impacting both the tourism and business industries.
A New Milestone in Regional Connectivity
IndiGo’s launch of direct flights connecting Agartala and Dibrugarh signifies a significant achievement for the Northeast region. Agartala, the capital of Tripura, is celebrated for its stunning scenery and historical sites such as the Ujjayanta Palace, whereas Dibrugarh, known as Assam’s “Tea Capital,” boasts its verdant tea plantations and closeness to the Brahmaputra River. By establishing a connection between these two cities, IndiGo seeks to foster tourism, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships throughout the Northeast.
Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, serves not only as a gateway to Northeast India but also as a vital center for trade and commerce in the area. The introduction of new flights to Dimapur, the largest city in Nagaland, will help close cultural and economic divides, facilitating easier access to the region’s rich cultural heritage and bustling markets.
Meanwhile, Ahmedabad, recognized for its industrial vigor and rich history, will benefit from the reinstated Guwahati-Ahmedabad route, which will provide smooth connectivity for business travelers and promote stronger economic relations between the two cities.
IndiGo is preparing to unveil four new routes from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad as part of its winter schedule. According to airport sources, the airline will operate direct flights to Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Kochi, and Kolkata from Ahmedabad.
Strengthening Regional Growth
IndiGo’s expansion is in line with India’s larger goal of promoting development in the Northeast, a region celebrated for its distinctive natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, and diversity. By enhancing air connectivity, IndiGo aspires to create more travel opportunities for both locals and visitors, thereby fostering economic activity and generating possibilities for sectors such as tourism, handicrafts, and hospitality within the region.
Hyderabad to host maximum domestic carriers
Last year, Hyderabad outpaced its counterparts in growth. It joined the ranks of the 25 million passengers club and has experienced consistent double-digit growth in passenger traffic ever since. Although it may have fallen behind Bengaluru in becoming the third hub for Air India, it boasts the highest number of domestic carriers operating, with eight airlines providing flights from Hyderabad, in contrast to seven in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Pune. India’s largest airport, Delhi, sees only six Indian carriers operating and shares this status with nine other airports.
IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, AKasa Air, SpiceJet, Star Air, and Fly91 all run operations from Hyderabad. The only two airlines not operating there are FlyBig and IndiaOne. Until recently, Fly91 also serviced Bengaluru, but it has now ceased operations in that city, dropping it down a position in terms of airlines served.
Among the 122 operational airports, an impressive 45 are exclusively served by a single airline. Of these, 16 are solely serviced by IndiGo, while 12 are catered to by the government-owned Alliance Air.
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