IndiGo starts low-cost flights to Abu Dhabi
abu dhabi — IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier by market share, is on an expansion mode in the Gulf. After Dubai and Sharjah, the airline is set to commence operations from the UAE capital.
Targeting the big expatriate population from the Indian state of Kerala, Kochi-Abu Dhabi (Dh355) non-stop services will start from Monday and Kozhikode-Abu Dhabi (Dh448) from Tuesday. The airline will operate A320s with 180 to 186 seats on the routes. Fares will start from Dh355, making Abu Dhabi’s lowbudget market very competitive.
IndiGo chief commercial officer William Boulter said the flights from Abu Dhabi would eventually cater to other cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
“We are maximising the travel rights available under the IndiaUAE bilateral agreement. In the future, Abu Dhabi will be connected with other cities. There is huge demand between India and the UAE. We fly 13 flights a day to Dubai, 4 to Sharjah and now 2 to Abu Dhabi,” Boulter said.
He said revenue generated from the Sharjah sector has “performed up to expectation”.
Boulter noted that another service to Kerala’s new Kannur International Airport would be announced. “I am hopeful we can announce it soon,” Boulter said and added that negotiations are on with authorities for slots in the Kannur International Airport.
Boulter said the airline has a
In the future, Abu Dhabi will be connected with other [Indian] cities William Boulter, IndiGo chief commercial officer
very low cost structure which helps to keep fares cheap.
“People are looking for the cheapest option available. And it is one of our core principles that we must satisfy the customer by offering a price s/he wants to buy.”
According to OAG Aviation Worldwide’s Top 20 list, IndiGo is the fourth best on-time performer with only Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Delta Air Lines ahead of the carrier.
“We stand for on-time performance, courteous and hassle-free service and, most importantly, low fares. These three foundations account for our success,” Boulter said.
The airline has 191 aircraft with 52 A320 NEOs, 127 A320 CEOs and 12 ATRs. So far this year, IndiGo has started operations to Colombo, Dhaka and Kuwait. In November, it will connect Kuala Lumpur, Male and Phuket. In December, the carrier will connect to Hong Kong and there are aspirations to fly to Saudi Arabia.