IndiGo, one of the largest private airlines of India, is all set to commence regular flight operations to Bangladesh early next month.
The Indian carrier will make its debut in capital Dhaka on August 1, said its Chief Commercial Officer William Boulter on Tuesday.
IndiGo will start regular commercial flights to Dhaka with all-inclusive promotional fare offers starting from Tk 5,031, Boulter said at a press conference, held at a hotel in the city.
Terming the IndiGo as the largest low cost carrier, he said it aims to ensure a courteous, hassle-free and affordable flying experience for the customers.
"We are pleased to announce Dhaka as our ninth international destination and will operate daily flights between Dhaka and Kolkata," he announced.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister AKM Shahjahan Kamal and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla were present at the function.
"The airline has completed 12 years of operations in India market as a low cost carrier, and adding that Dhaka to its network will further augment the regional connectivity that we aspire to provide to our customers," he expected.
The flights will depart Dhaka at 7:10pm (Bangladesh Standard Time).
The arrival flight from Kolkata, the capital of India's West Bengal state, is scheduled at 4:40pm (BST).
The introduction of these flights will boost connectivity between Dhaka and Kolkata.
With its fleet of 153 Airbus A320 and 6 ATR aircraft as of March 31, 2018, the airline offered 1086 peak daily flights during the quarter and connected 42 domestic destinations and eight international destinations.
It is one of the fastest growing low-cost carriers in India by passengers carried and fleet size, with a 41.3 per cent domestic market share as of June 2018.
IndiGo has got approval for operating seven flights on Dhaka-Kolkata route in every week.
It has to comply with each and every rules and regulation of bilateral air service agreement signed between the Bangladesh and India.
sajibur@gmail.com