New Delhi: Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in the national capital has expanded its domestic network to 90 destinations with the recent introduction of scheduled flights to Daman. This significant expansion makes Delhi Airport the sole aviation hub in India offering direct connectivity to 32 out of the country’s 36 states and Union Territories, as confirmed by officials on Tuesday.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the newly launched Delhi-Daman service, operated by Alliance Air, is a key component in strengthening air connectivity to the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. This development aligns with the central government’s ongoing efforts to bolster regional air travel accessibility across India.
With the addition of Daman to its network, Delhi Airport now provides direct flight services to 27 states and five Union Territories. The airport is a major transit point, managing over 1,050 domestic flights daily and facilitating the movement of more than 5 million domestic passengers each month. This figure includes approximately 1 million passengers who utilize the airport for domestic-to-domestic transfers, highlighting its role as a central hub.
The airport authorities stated that the new route is anticipated to enhance accessibility to Daman for both tourists and business travellers. Furthermore, it is expected to offer seamless onward domestic and international travel connections via Delhi, solidifying its position as India’s premier aviation nexus.
Pradeep Panicker, the CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), remarked on the achievement, stating, “The launch of direct flights to Daman marks another significant milestone in Delhi Airport’s journey towards strengthening domestic air connectivity across India.” He added, “Reaching 90 domestic destinations and becoming the only airport in the country to provide direct connectivity to 32 of India’s 36 states and Union Territories reflects our continued commitment to enhancing accessibility, supporting regional economic growth, and providing passengers with a wider range of travel options.”
Panicker further indicated that Delhi Airport remains dedicated to collaborating with its airline partners to further expand its domestic network and improve passenger connectivity. This ongoing commitment aims to integrate more regions into the national air travel grid.
Currently, Delhi Airport stands as India’s largest domestic aviation hub. Maharashtra leads as the best-connected state through the airport, offering direct flights to seven destinations. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh follow closely, with direct connectivity to six destinations each. This extensive network underscores the airport’s strategic importance in national travel infrastructure.
The scheduled domestic services from Delhi Airport are supported by a consortium of major Indian carriers. These include Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air, collectively ensuring robust connectivity and service availability.
DIAL articulated that the continuous expansion of the airport’s domestic network is strategically focused on improving regional connectivity. This initiative is designed not only to support economic growth in various regions but also to make air travel more accessible and convenient for a broader segment of the Indian population.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
