Interglobe Aviation 's IndiGo has completed one year of operations in Puducherry, marking a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity for the Union Territory. The airline announced on Saturday, January 3, that it currently operates 14 flights per week from Puducherry, connecting the city with Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Operational Milestones

IndiGo commenced its operations from Puducherry on December 20, 2024, addressing a critical gap in scheduled air services for the region. The airline has maintained consistent operations throughout the year, establishing reliable air connectivity that was previously limited in the area.

Enhanced Regional Connectivity

The introduction of regular flights has significantly improved accessibility for Puducherry residents across multiple sectors. The enhanced air connectivity has particularly benefited healthcare and education access, enabling residents to travel more efficiently to Bengaluru and Hyderabad for specialized medical services and higher education opportunities.

The air service has also facilitated onward connectivity for passengers from Puducherry, providing seamless travel options across India and to international destinations. This connectivity enhancement has addressed long-standing travel challenges in a region where scheduled commercial air services were previously limited.

Impact on Multiple Sectors

The consistent commercial flight operations have brought greater ease to air travel for various passenger segments. The service has particularly benefited:

• Residents seeking specialized healthcare services
• Students pursuing higher education opportunities
• Business professionals requiring regular travel
• Tourists visiting the Union Territory

The reliable air connectivity has improved overall accessibility and convenience for travelers, supporting Puducherry's development across economic and social sectors. The introduction of these scheduled services represents a significant improvement in the region's transportation infrastructure, providing residents and visitors with dependable travel options that were previously unavailable.

Interglobe Aviation 's IndiGo has formally updated its passenger relief framework on its website, introducing the 'Gesture of Care' (GoC) compensation scheme. This initiative addresses the large-scale flight cancellations and prolonged delays that stranded thousands of passengers across airports during the first week of December.

Compensation Structure and Benefits

The airline's compensation framework provides substantial relief for affected passengers through a structured voucher system.

For group bookings, each passenger receives individual compensation. For instance, three passengers on the same PNR would receive ₹30,000.00 total benefit, with each passenger getting their own ₹10,000.00 worth of vouchers.

Eligibility Criteria

The compensation applies specifically to passengers who meet defined criteria related to the December disruptions.

• Passengers scheduled to travel from noon of December 3 to end of day December 5
• Those severely impacted and stranded at airports due to prolonged delays and cancellations
• Only flights meeting these specific criteria are covered under the scheme

Voucher Distribution and Usage

Eligible passengers will receive compensation through a secure digital process. The airline sends vouchers via email to registered addresses, with alternative arrangements for unregistered emails. Passengers receive vouchers within 24 hours of email registration if no address is on file.

The voucher structure provides flexibility for future travel planning. Passengers can book journeys anytime within the 12-month validity period, even if travel dates extend beyond voucher expiry. Each passenger must use their individual vouchers and cannot transfer them to others.

Compensation Options and Claim Process

IndiGo offers passengers flexibility in receiving their compensation through two distinct methods.

Regulatory Compliance and Additional Benefits

The Gesture of Care voucher operates independently from DGCA-mandated compensation under Civil Aviation Requirements. Passengers whose flights were cancelled within 24 hours of departure remain eligible for statutory compensation ranging from ₹5,000.00 to ₹10,000.00, depending on flight block time.

This regulatory compensation is separate from refunds and independent of the GoC voucher, providing passengers with multiple layers of relief. For assistance with the compensation process, customers can contact customer.experience@goindigo.in , and the airline advises checking spam folders for voucher emails.