IndiGo launches maiden flight from Hyderabad to Kanpur

IndiGo's maiden direct flight service from Hyderabad to Kanpur was launched on Monday from Hyderabad International Airport. The inaugural IndiGo flight took off from Hyderabad to Kanpur at noon. Senior officials from GHIAL along with IndiGo officials and other airport stakeholders were at the terminal to see off the passengers and crew amidst a festive atmosphere.

The daily IndiGo Flight 6E 269 will depart from Hyderabad International Airport at noon. The return IndiGo Flight 6E 102 from Kanpur will arrive in Hyderabad at 4.35 p.m. Flights will operate between Hyderabad International Airport and Kanpur six times a week – Monday to Saturday.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decrease across India, confidence in travel is gaining momentum. With the easing of restrictions, the demand for air travel is gradually picking up across sectors.

Pradeep Panicker, the CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), said, "Post-COVID, there is a great demand for new destinations from Hyderabad and GHIAL is continuously trying to cater to that demand. Our focus has also been on connecting Tier 2 cities across the nation. The gradually increasing passenger footfalls and resumption of many connections are an indication that the Indian aviation industry is bouncing back."

Hyderabad airport saw an increase in the number of flights across domestic sectors. It recorded a substantial rise in Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) in September which was close to 9,000. On 17 October, GHIAL recorded the highest domestic and international passenger footfall that crossed 50,000, which is 81% of the pre-COVID numbers.