AirAsia sets up Delhi base, will launch flights from May 21

Initially AirAsia will fly twice daily on Delhi-Bengaluru route and a single flight to Goa and Guwahati

AirAsia is launching daily flights from Delhi to Bengaluru, Goa and Guwahati from May 21. Delhi will be the airline’s second base, following its launch last June.

AirAsia began operations from Bengaluru and now has now five Airbus A320 planes. Initially, it will fly twice daily on the Delhi-Bengaluru route and a single flight to Goa and Guwahati. From June 16, it will add a second flight to Goa.

It is offering a promotional fare of Rs 1,700 on the Bengaluru and Goa routes and Rs 1,500 on the Guwahati route in a five-day sale offer. The discount scheme is valid for travel till May 31.

"Our entry into New Delhi market is a sign of confidence in our business model and in our performance that we can come into a highly saturated market and help expand the market by providing connectivity to the underserved. It would be an opportunity we would have to work hard for, but one where the passengers should be the distinct winners with more choice and lower fares. The new sectors will allow more people to experience air travel in India. We will continue to build our network throughout India through both our Northern and Southern hubs," said AirAsia India chief executive officer Mittu Chandilya.

AirAsia started its domestic operations with a Bangalore-Goa flight and flies to Chennai, Kochi, Chandigarh, Jaipur and Pune. The airline had initially said it will not fly to Delhi and Mumbai because of high airport charges but now has changed its plan.

"If AirAsia is to be an effective national carrier it will have to have a hub in North India too," said an aviation source.

Delhi airport has three runways, which can simultaneously handle 78 aircraft movement each hour. It is also the busiest airport in the country with about 800 movements daily.