The newest local airline in India, Fly91, will begin operating commercial passenger flights between multiple locations in the country on March 18. Jyotiraditya Scindia, the minister of civil aviation, announced this project.
The minister waved off the first flight, which marked the inauguration of the airline, between the touristic Goa and the Lakshadweep islands off the coast of Kerala.
Following this inaugural flight, regular services between Goa and Hyderabad, as well as Bangalore, are scheduled to commence on the subsequent Monday, with return flights also beginning the same day. Additionally, routes connecting the coastal town of Sindhudurg in Maharashtra to Bangalore and Hyderabad are slated to commence operations next week.
Minister Scindia expressed his optimism that Fly91 would contribute to the government's objective of enhancing connectivity between smaller tier 2 and tier 3 cities through air travel. The goal is to accommodate the expected surge in domestic passenger traffic, projected to reach 300 million by 2030, a substantial increase from 60 million a decade earlier. Fly91 intends to gradually expand its network to include cities such as Pune, Jalgaon, and Nanded. This strategic expansion aims to alleviate seat constraints, particularly during peak tourist seasons and holidays, across various regions.
The aviation landscape in India has witnessed the emergence of six new regional carriers over the past decade, a testament to the burgeoning growth in domestic air travel. Most flights operated by Fly91 are expected to have durations ranging from 45 to 90 minutes, catering primarily to short-haul routes. This focus on short-haul connectivity aligns with the airline's mission to provide efficient and convenient air travel options to passengers.
The introduction of Fly91 represents a significant milestone in India's aviation sector, offering enhanced accessibility and connectivity to travelers across the country. By connecting diverse cities and regions, the airline aims to facilitate economic growth, tourism, and trade while meeting the evolving needs of passengers. As the airline embarks on its inaugural flights, it seeks to establish itself as a reliable and customer-centric carrier, contributing to the continued expansion and development of India's domestic air travel network.
