Air India Express has announced that it will start operating from the Hindon Airport in addition to the Delhi Airport, making it the first airline to operate from two airports in the National Capital Region (NCR). The move aims to enhance connectivity from cities in western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. With 28 weekly direct flights to Bengaluru, Goa, and Kolkata starting on August 1, 2024, the airline is looking to tap into underserved routes in the region.
The Hindon Airport was originally meant to serve smaller towns bordering Delhi in Uttar Pradesh as part of the government’s regional connectivity scheme. Currently, only two airlines operate from there, with Air India Express set to be the third. While the airline’s primary hub is in Kochi, with secondary hubs in nine cities including Delhi, it is not yet clear if Hindon will become another hub for the airline. However, as the airline prepares for a merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), it is possible that Hindon could serve as a hub for regional operations.
In India, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has mentioned that multiple hubs for airlines in a country of India’s size and population are justified. While Air India Express is currently the only airline operating from two airports in the NCR, IndiGo is also gearing up to operate from the upcoming international airport in Noida. The airline has signed an agreement with the airport to become its launch carrier, indicating the potential for multiple hubs in the region.
Ixigo, an Indian travel aggregator, is set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) next week, aiming to raise INR 7.4 billion. The company plans to use the proceeds from the IPO to fund its capital requirements, invest in cloud infrastructure and technology, and explore inorganic growth through acquisitions and strategic initiatives targeting the ‘next billion user’ market segment. The move reflects the company’s focus on expanding its user base through robust sales and marketing activities.
Air India has partnered with Delhi Metro and Delhi Airport to enable check-in and baggage drop for international passengers at the New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium metro stations. This facility was previously available only for domestic passengers. The initiative will help control congestion at the airport and allow travelers to explore the city baggage-free. Air India has also introduced a ‘Fare Lock’ feature on its website, allowing customers to reserve a selected fare for 48 hours for a nominal fee to finalize travel itineraries.
Skyscanner has signed a partnership agreement with budget carrier Akasa Air, providing travelers with access to domestic and international fares offered by the airline on all platforms of the travel agency. As Akasa Air expands its network, the partnership aims to connect travelers with every travel option available to them, improving the travel experience for Indian travelers. Spree Hospitality, a subsidiary of EaseMyTrip, has signed a new property in Nagpur, marking its ninth property in Maharashtra. The company operates in the boutique and mid-market segment and has ambitious growth plans to reach 200 properties in five years.
