Monday, September 16, 2024 IndiGo is preparing to launch four new flights from Visakhapatnam starting in September and October 2024, signaling a significant enhancement in air connectivity for the region. These new services are expected to have a notable impact on the travel industry, both regionally and globally. The expansion will facilitate smoother connections for travelers within India and beyond, with potential ripple effects in various sectors, including tourism and business travel.
Flight Details and Schedule According to IndiGo’s announcement, the first new flight will operate between Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad, beginning September 21, 2024. This flight is scheduled to depart at 9:00 am. Following this, on October 27, two more daily services will commence: a Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada flight at 9:15 am, and a second service from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad at 1:30 pm.
In addition, a thrice-weekly flight connecting Visakhapatnam to Ahmedabad will also be introduced from the same date. These new routes are expected to enhance domestic travel options, making it easier for travelers to reach key business and tourism hubs across India. For instance, increased connectivity with Hyderabad and Ahmedabad could encourage more business travel, potentially contributing to economic growth in these cities.
Meanwhile, the addition of the Vijayawada route offers tourists greater access to Andhra Pradesh’s lesser-known but culturally significant locations. Efforts to Improve International Connectivity In addition to the new domestic routes, efforts are underway to improve Visakhapatnam’s international air connections. Representatives from the Andhra Pradesh Air Travellers’ Association (APATA), including Vice-President Naresh Kumar, K Kumar Raja, and D S Varma, met with Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu to discuss opportunities for expanding international services from Visakhapatnam.
During the minister’s visit on September 6 for the inauguration of the Digi Yatra system at Visakhapatnam Airport, the APATA team presented a proposal to revive past services, including SpiceJet and Akasa flights, which had proven successful before being discontinued. Additionally, APATA recommended the introduction of a direct flight from Visakhapatnam to Dubai, potentially via Air India Express or through the allocation of bilateral slots to international carriers such as Emirates or Flydubai. Such a service would significantly boost global travel from Visakhapatnam, providing easier access to the Middle East and onward destinations.
Moreover, international travelers coming from or through Dubai could benefit from a direct route, avoiding time-consuming layovers. Supporting Regional Growth: Cargo and Araku Coffee Initiatives Beyond passenger services, APATA has also advocated for measures to support local industry and cargo operations. To encourage overnight flight parking at Andhra Pradesh airports, APATA suggested providing incentives for airlines that opt for late-night arrivals and early-morning departures.
Such a move would maximize the utilization of existing airport infrastructure, while also enhancing flight availability for travelers. In a separate appeal, APATA urged the Civil Aviation Minister to promote the sale of Araku Coffee, a premium brand produced by tribal coffee farmers in the Araku Valley, at airports across India. By establishing outlets for the award-winning coffee at major airports, APATA hopes to boost the brand’s visibility and support the livelihoods of these tribal communities.
This initiative aligns with broader government efforts to encourage sustainable development in rural areas, while also introducing travelers to a unique, homegrown product. Visakhapatnam’s Growing Importance as a Cargo Hub Visakhapatnam’s strategic location on India’s eastern coast makes it an ideal candidate for expanding cargo services. APATA proposed that the government incentivize the operation of dedicated cargo flights from Visakhapatnam to revive the airport’s cargo division, which has seen reduced activity in recent years.
An increase in cargo flights would benefit exporters in the region, particularly those involved in industries like pharmaceuticals, seafood, and agriculture. These developments are expected to have far-reaching effects on the global travel industry, particularly as Visakhapatnam grows into a more prominent travel hub. The introduction of new routes will not only improve domestic travel but also open up opportunities for international airlines to consider expanding their services to this region.
The proposed direct flight to Dubai could attract more global travelers, including business executives and tourists, leading to increased passenger traffic through Visakhapatnam Airport. The promotion of Araku Coffee at airports could further enhance the travel experience by introducing international visitors to local products, thereby supporting sustainable tourism. Similarly, improved cargo operations could boost trade, benefiting local businesses and creating more travel opportunities for businesspersons involved in export activities.
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