IndiGo Launches Direct Vijayawada-Varanasi-Kolkata Flight Route

VIJAYAWADA — IndiGo expanded its domestic network with the official launch of a direct tri-weekly flight route connecting Vijayawada with Varanasi and Kolkata. Union Minister of Civil Aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu virtually inaugurated the service from New Delhi, enhancing connectivity across key spiritual and commercial regions in India.

The inaugurating flight witnessed 89 passengers arriving at Vijayawada International Airport from Varanasi, while 129 passengers boarded the outward leg bound for the spiritual hub. Local political leaders, including Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath and Gannavaram MLA Yarlagadda Venkata Rao, attended the ceremony on-site and presented inaugural boarding passes to passengers.

Operating Schedule and Route Operations

The new service operates three days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The aircraft follows a multi-city circuit route covering Kolkata, Varanasi, and Vijayawada.

+---------------+-------------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+
| Flight Number | Departure Station | Departure Time| Arrival Station| Arrival Time  |
+---------------+-------------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+
| 6E 6501       | Kolkata (CCU)     | 2:15 PM       | Varanasi (VNS)| 3:25 PM       |
| 6E 6501       | Varanasi (VNS)    | 3:55 PM       | Vijayawada(VGA)| 5:50 PM      |
| 6E 6502       | Vijayawada (VGA)  | 6:20 PM       | Varanasi (VNS)| 8:15 PM       |
| 6E 6502       | Varanasi (VNS)    | 8:50 PM       | Kolkata (CCU) | 10:15 PM      |
+---------------+-------------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+

(Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation & IndiGo Route Disclosures)

Strategic Significance for Regional Aviation

During the launch, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed plans to expand Vijayawada’s air connectivity to additional commercial destinations, including Pune, Ahmedabad, and Cochin.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is also evaluating a hub-and-spoke operational model. Under this proposed framework, Vijayawada International Airport will act as a spoke to international hubs, permitting passengers to clear customs and immigration processes locally prior to international transit transfers.

Official Sources Section

According to statements issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and flight schedule filings by IndiGo, the service addresses growing travel demand among religious pilgrims, business travelers, and tourists. Further technical notifications are managed via the Airports Authority of India.

Quote Section

"The Centre is committed to strengthening regional air connectivity and expanding destination access," stated K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation. "Vijayawada International Airport will soon connect to additional commercial hubs while plans progress on integrated infrastructure and hub-and-spoke international facilitation."

Why It Matters

The direct route cuts travel times between Andhra Pradesh's commercial capital and northern spiritual hubs like Varanasi, eliminating multi-hour layovers. For traders, business travelers, and tourists, direct connections to Kolkata and Varanasi streamline commerce, regional tourism, and economic mobility across eastern and central India.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Operator: IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Limited).

• Route: Kolkata – Varanasi – Vijayawada – Varanasi – Kolkata.

• Frequency: Tri-weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays).

• Future Destinations Planned: Direct connectivity to Pune, Ahmedabad, and Cochin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What days does the new IndiGo Vijayawada-Varanasi flight operate?

The flight operates three days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

What is the flight timing from Vijayawada to Varanasi?

Flight 6E 6502 departs Vijayawada at 6:20 PM and arrives in Varanasi at 8:15 PM.

Which future flight routes were announced for Vijayawada International Airport?

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced future direct flight connections to Pune, Ahmedabad, and Cochin.

Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation, IndiGo, and Airports Authority of India.