Manchester and Amsterdam are the first two cities identified by IndiGo to start direct flights, thus paving the way to enter the European market. Elbers is confident that by 2030 IndiGo’s global ranking will change and that it will not be labelled as LCC in the European market. He doesn’t see any conflict with its code-sharing partner airlines. Elbers also put to rest the rumours by stating that the direct flight to Manchester will depart/arrive from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Andheri. Yes, IndiGo has a huge hub at the second airport coming at Panvel, Navi Mumbai. The reason for sticking to the city airport is because the new airport as of now lacks adequate connectivity. Meanwhile, the Indian diaspora is very happy with IndiGo’s direct flights connecting Mumbai and Manchester. Direct flight is an economic booster as it will save time and money. A study indicates that an extra £11.8 million a year will be spent by additional Indian visitors to the region as a result of the three-times-a-week service between Manchester. Experts say cost, time and productivity savings worth £9 million a year will be unlocked. About 234,000 people travel from Manchester airport’s catchment to Mumbai every year. Roughly, 70,000 of them flew via Manchester. It is estimated that the new route will increase the overall number of people who travel between Manchester and Mumbai by 21,000 per year. (By Rahul Laud, www.shortpost.in)
