Indigo to start its service in Silchar from February

As a major relief for the air travellers of Silchar, Interglobe Aviation’s IndiGo airlines is set to start its services in Silchar from second week of February. Sources in the the aviation sector revealed that IndiGo will start with Silchar – Gauhati and Silchar – Calcutta flights.

“The agents have already been informed about IndiGo’s arrival in Silchar and the official announcement is expected early next week,” says a senior official working in the aviation sector in the Northeast region. It is worth mentioning here that Jet Airways has already announced that its aircraft won’t land in Silchar from February 10, 2019, onwards.

“We have been told, tickets of Silchar – Gauhati and Silchar – Calcutta would be available. The tentative date of first landing is rumoured to be February 9, 2019,” says proprietor of an established travel agency in Silchar.

IndiGo is the only growing airlines in the slowing aviation industry of India. IndiGo topped up capacity by 30% year-on-year in October, the increase for the rest of the sector was a shade above 9% y-o-y. This was way slower than the 18.9% y-o-y rise seen in June and 12.3% y-o-y in August.

A recent Financial Express report stated, “IndiGo’s share rose to an enviable 42.8% in October 2018. In contrast, SpiceJet reported a share of 11.7%, its lowest in more than two years. GoAir had just 8.8% compared with an average of 9% for 2018. Jet Airways and its low-cost subsidiary JetLite commanded a share of 14.9% and national carrier Air India had 12.2%.”

IndiGo’s arrival is set to start a price war between Spicejet, Air India and IndiGo. “IndiGo is known for its low cost and efficient customer service. The entry will disrupt the existing prices and benefit the travellers. Also IndiGo will market itself into the region with exciting offers and discounts,” says the senior official.

IndiGo has a strong cash balance of Rs 12,702 crore at the end of September while SpiceJet reported a loss of Rs 389 crore in the September quarter while Jet Airways’ quarterly loss stood at Rs 1,261 crore