IndiGo Airlines has recently announced a significant change to its Kolhapur-Tirupati direct flight service, which has been a popular route for devotees seeking a convenient and time-saving journey. Starting from December 15, the airline will no longer operate a non-stop flight between the two destinations. Instead, passengers will now experience a layover at Hyderabad airport, resulting in an additional three hours and five minutes of travel time. Additionally, the revised ticket prices are expected to be more than two and a half thousand rupees higher than before.
The Kolhapur-Tirupati direct flight service was introduced on May 12, 2019, with the aim of providing devotees with a seamless and efficient travel option. This service garnered positive responses from its inception and continued to operate even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a brief hiatus, the service resumed on May 1, 2021, and has been running uninterrupted until now.
The direct flight, known for facilitating the journey to Karveer Niwasini Shri Ambabai in Kolhapur and Tirupati for darshan, has been a preferred choice for many travelers. Unfortunately, with the cessation of this service, devotees will no longer have the option to travel directly from Kolhapur to Tirupati. Instead, the new travel route requires passengers to make a stopover in Hyderabad if they wish to reach Tirupati.
Starting December 15, the airline’s official website will only provide information about the direct flight service up to December 14. On the last day of operation, the flight is scheduled to depart from Kolhapur at 10:25 AM, reaching Tirupati at 12:05 PM. The non-stop flight has a duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes, with a ticket price of Rs 4,241.
Under the revised service, the flight from Kolhapur to Tirupati will depart at 2:40 PM, making a stopover in Hyderabad before reaching Tirupati at 7:25 PM. This change introduces a significant shift in the travel experience for passengers accustomed to the direct flight.
