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Regional airline FLY91, on Monday, operated its inaugural flight on the Kochi–Agatti sector, starting a daily service between Kerala and Lakshadweep.
The airline’s ATR 72-600 aircraft received a water cannon salute at Cochin International Airport before departure, marking the start of operations to Agatti.
Online bookings for the Kochi–Agatti service opened last month, and the airline reported strong early demand. According to the airliner, residents of Lakshadweep welcomed the move.
FLY91 has been operating daily services to Goa for the past two years, and the new route is expected to improve access to Lakshadweep through a major southern gateway.
The Kochi–Agatti flight adds to the existing Goa–Agatti service. The airline said this will give passengers more travel options and improve mainland connectivity for Lakshadweep.
Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO, FLY91, said, “For residents of Agatti and neighbouring islands, this service makes essential travel for education, healthcare, employment and commerce easier, while also supporting the steady growth of tourism in Lakshadweep,” he added.
Before the maiden departure, the first passengers were felicitated at both airports and received novelty boarding passes.
Agatti Island is part of Lakshadweep and is known for its coral reefs and lagoons. FLY91 said the Kochi route fits its plan to improve air links to remote regions.
The airline aims to connect smaller towns and island communities with major cities. In the next phase of expansion, FLY91 plans to begin operations at six more regional stations: Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Dabolim Airport, Nanded and Indore.
The airline’s ATR 72-600 aircraft received a water cannon salute at Cochin International Airport before departure, marking the start of operations to Agatti.
Online bookings for the Kochi–Agatti service opened last month, and the airline reported strong early demand. According to the airliner, residents of Lakshadweep welcomed the move.
FLY91 has been operating daily services to Goa for the past two years, and the new route is expected to improve access to Lakshadweep through a major southern gateway.
The Kochi–Agatti flight adds to the existing Goa–Agatti service. The airline said this will give passengers more travel options and improve mainland connectivity for Lakshadweep.
Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO, FLY91, said, “For residents of Agatti and neighbouring islands, this service makes essential travel for education, healthcare, employment and commerce easier, while also supporting the steady growth of tourism in Lakshadweep,” he added.
FLY91 Head- Ground Operations, Gautam Salaskar (fifth from left), along with Kochi Airport Director CIAL, Manu G (fourth from left), at the ceremonial cake-cutting event at the Kochi Airport marking the regional airline's inaugural flight from Kochi to Agatti.
Before the maiden departure, the first passengers were felicitated at both airports and received novelty boarding passes.
Agatti Island is part of Lakshadweep and is known for its coral reefs and lagoons. FLY91 said the Kochi route fits its plan to improve air links to remote regions.
The airline aims to connect smaller towns and island communities with major cities. In the next phase of expansion, FLY91 plans to begin operations at six more regional stations: Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Dabolim Airport, Nanded and Indore.
