New flights connect Vijayawada, & Rajahmundry to Hyd

Vijayawada: The Hyderabad–Vijayawada flight service operated by Fly91 Airlines received a ceremonial water cannon salute by airport firefighting vehicles as the aircraft taxied on the runway at Gannavaram airport during its inaugural journey on Friday. The new service marks the eighth flight on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada route and Fly91's inaugural operation on the sector. The airline has commenced domestic flight operations connecting Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram with Hyderabad. Excise minister Kollu Ravindra handed over boarding passes to passengers travelling to Hyderabad, while the first set of passengers on the inaugural flight was felicitated with commemorative boarding passes. Earlier in the day, Union civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, while virtually flagging off the service, congratulated Fly91 on its expansion into Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram. He noted the airline's rapid growth across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra. The minister said Fly91's success was a testament to the UDAN scheme, the Union government's flagship programme for developing unserved and underserved airports. He added that the Modified UDAN scheme aims to develop 100 new airports across India over the next five years. The 72-seater aircraft operated with around 50 per cent occupancy, with 35 passengers arriving from Hyderabad to Vijayawada, and recorded nearly 70 per cent occupancy with 57 passengers on its return journey to Hyderabad on the inaugural day. AAI officials said the addition of Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram destinations is expected to improve connectivity to key commercial, industrial and educational centres, while offering passengers safer, more reliable and convenient travel options within the region. The airline has also introduced Smartbag91, a pre-booked excess baggage facility designed to meet the needs of travellers requiring additional baggage. The service allows passengers to book extra baggage in advance, in line with global airline norms, simplifying the travel experience. Route timingsFlight No (IC-3301) From (Hyderabad) departure (6:05 am) - To (Vijayawada) arrival (7:10 am)Flight No (IC 3302) From (Vij) departure (7:30 am) - To (Hyd) Arrival (8:40 am)Effective from April 17Flight No (IC 3303) From (Hyd) departure (9:05 am) - To (Vij) arrival (10:15 am)Flight No (IC 3304) From (Vij) departure (10:35 am) - To (Hyd) arrival (11:45 am) —