FLY91 Expands Regional Network with Lakshadweep Route

The article reveals FLY91’s launch of daily Kochi–Agatti flights and a rapid regional expansion that adds seven new stations to its network.

What’s new: routes, frequencies and fleet

FLY91 has opened bookings for a new daily non-stop service between Kochi and Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands as part of a broader plan to increase connectivity across India’s emerging regional markets. Over the next 90 days the carrier will add seven stations — Kochi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Dabolim, Nanded and Indore — expanding its network to 15 destinations.

The airline will scale up its fleet to six ATR 72-600 turboprops, with three additional aircraft scheduled for induction within 45 days. This additional capacity will support higher frequencies and permit the launch of multiple new city pairs while preserving operational efficiency.

Routes and rollout schedule

The initial phase begins with the Kochi–Agatti daily service. Subsequent additions include feeder and regional city pairs intended to strengthen intra-state and inter-state mobility. Key planned services are:

• Kochi–Agatti: daily non-stop; bookings open both directions
• Rajahmundry–Hyderabad: regional connector
• Vijayawada–Hyderabad: improved intra-regional frequency
• Hubballi–Hyderabad and Hubballi–Bengaluru: daily services
• Nanded–South Goa and Indore–Jalgaon: later phases

Strategic intent and expected benefits

The new Kochi–Agatti link strengthens FLY91’s presence in southern India and offers improved flexibility for passengers traveling to the Lakshadweep archipelago. Agatti is already connected to Manohar International Airport (MIA) in Goa, and the Kochi service provides an important mainland gateway that supports tourism and resident mobility for education, healthcare and commerce.

According to Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, the expansion aligns with the carrier’s focus on aspirational Tier-2 and Tier-3 destinations that are expected to drive the next phase of India’s economic growth through improved transport links.

Implications for tourism and local communities

Enhanced flight connectivity to Agatti is likely to have immediate effects on travel flow and destination accessibility. Lakshadweep’s reputation for coral reefs, turquoise waters and pristine beaches stands to benefit from more frequent and predictable air services, enabling higher tourist footfall during season windows.

For residents, regular air service reduces isolation and improves access to essential services. The increased frequencies can stimulate local commerce, hospitality, and small-scale tourism enterprises, while also providing more dependable options for medical transfers and education-related travel.

How the expansion links to marine and leisure activities

Although the primary announcement concerns regional air connectivity, the route to Agatti is directly relevant to marine tourism. Improved mainland access facilitates:

• Growth in beach tourism and day-trip offerings
• Expansion of charter and yacht visitation windows
• Seasonal increases in boating and fishing excursions
• Better logistics for equipment and supply chains serving marine operators

Operators of excursions, liveaboards and small yacht charters can anticipate steadier demand as passenger arrival patterns become more reliable. For destinations where marinas and mooring infrastructure are limited, predictable air service is often the first enabler of scalable marine tourism.

Historical context: regional aviation and island connectivity

India’s regional aviation story over the past decade has emphasized the need to connect secondary cities and island territories to economic centers. Several government initiatives and regional airline strategies have focused on improving last-mile air connectivity to boost tourism and commerce in less-served pockets of the country. The use of turboprop aircraft such as the ATR 72-600 has been central to this effort because of their fuel efficiency, short-field performance and cost-effectiveness on short-haul routes.

Island destinations like Lakshadweep historically depended on limited ferry services and sporadic air links; thus, an airline increasing frequency and network reach represents a notable shift. Such developments echo past expansions where scheduled services helped forge reliable tourism itineraries, encourage investment in local guesthouses, and prompt modest infrastructure upgrades at smaller aerodromes.

Forecast: what to expect next

In the medium term, additional scheduled flights and higher seat capacity should translate into measurable tourism growth for Lakshadweep and improved connectivity for the listed inland cities. If demand materializes, operators may respond with new charter offerings, coastal excursions and small-scale marina services tailored to visitors seeking clearwater lagoons and coastal activities. Close coordination between aviation planners and local tourism stakeholders will be necessary to manage environmental impacts while unlocking economic opportunities.

Operational considerations

Successful implementation of these services will depend on:

• Timely induction of the ATR fleet to meet planned frequencies
• Efficient scheduling to synchronize with connecting services at Kochi and other hubs
• Ground handling readiness at smaller stations
• Marketing to convert improved capacity into sustained passenger volumes

Conclusion and connections to yachting and charter markets

The launch of daily Kochi–Agatti flights and the addition of seven regional stations mark a strategic push by FLY91 to strengthen intra-regional linkages and unlock tourism potential for coastal and island destinations. For marine-oriented travelers and operators, more reliable air access creates opportunities for expanded yacht charters, boat-based activities, beachside retreats and fishing excursions, while also improving logistics for equipment and crew rotations.

For those looking to explore lagoons, rent a yacht or arrange a coastal charter, an accessible gateway like Kochi can make planning simpler and more flexible. As connectivity increases, so will options for captains, charter agents and marinas to offer varied products suited to a range of budgets—from small boat rentals and day trips to superyacht visits and bespoke yachting itineraries. For travelers and industry professionals alike, the combined effect of enhanced air links and burgeoning marine services promises fresh destinations, more boating activities and easier access to clearwater shores.

GetBoat is an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, probably the best service for boat rentals to suit every taste and budget; visit GetBoat.com for options across destinations, yacht charters, boat hire, captain services and superyacht listings that can complement air travel to coastal and island hotspots. This expansion by FLY91 could stimulate demand for yacht charters, beach activities, rent-a-boat services, fishing trips and broader yachting experiences across lagoons, seas and gulfs served via new air links.