Marking another milestone in its mission to enhance regional air connectivity in India, FLY91 successfully commenced operations on the Goa–Solapur–Goa route on Monday, 9 June.
The inaugural flight was welcomed at Solapur Airport with a traditional water cannon salute, celebrating the regional airline’s entry into one of Maharashtra’s key cultural and industrial hubs.
The inaugural flight which took off from Solapur to Goa was ceremonially flagged off by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Co-operation, Murlidhar Mohol, in the presence of Guardian Minister of Solapur, Jaykumar Gore, along with local MLAs, state officials from the Solapur administration, Airports Authority of India and FLY91. While Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis and the two deputy Chief Ministers, Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, were unable to attend the inauguration ceremony due to unfavourable weather conditions, all three dignitaries sent their respective warm wishes on the occasion.
“With the arrival of FLY91’s inaugural flight from Goa, Solapur is now on the aviation map of India. The air transport connectivity will ease the travel of individuals who travel to Solapur for pilgrimage, business and more,” Mohol said at a ceremony held at the Solapur airport ahead of FLY91’s inaugural flight to Goa.
The Goa–Solapur–Goa flight will operate four times a week (Mon-Fri-Sat-Sun) at the scheduled timings listed on its website www.fly91.in. In keeping with FLY91’s regional philosophy, inflight announcements during the flight are carried out in Marathi, the regional language of Maharashtra, and in English.
“Today is a historic day in the lives of the people of Solapur. The efforts of many individuals have gone into making this airport operational and the subsequent start of FLY91’s Goa – Solapur – Goa sector, which witnessed its inaugural flight today. The very first flight from Goa landed at the Solapur Airport earlier today. Goa is a gateway to the rest of India and international destinations. The people of Goa now have an additional option to fly to Goa in addition to travelling to Mumbai via road,” Gore said on the occasion.
FLY91 is committed to improving last-mile air access to traditionally underserved domestic destinations. With Solapur now added to its route map, the airline connects a total of eight cities, including four in Maharashtra: Pune, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg and Solapur.
Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO of FLY91, said: “FLY91’s newly introduced Goa–Solapur–Goa route not only improves access between Goa and Solapur but also plays a significant role in bridging two important regions with strong cultural, spiritual and economic prowess. This route will support tourism, business and easier access for families and pilgrims. At FLY91, our goal is to improve regional air connectivity and Solapur is a key addition to our growing network.”
FLY91 aims to strengthen its regional network in Maharashtra by launching direct flights from Nanded to Goa and Bengaluru, in July this year, Chacko further added.
The Goa-Solapur-Goa route offers outbound tourists from Solapur a direct and convenient connection to Goa, one of India’s premier tourism destinations, renowned for its beaches, vibrant nightlife and cultural heritage.
Known for its textile heritage and industrial base, Solapur also serves as a strategic gateway to five major pilgrimage centres: Pandharpur, Tuljapur, Akkalkot, Gangapur and Bhimashankar, making this route highly relevant for spiritual, leisure and business travellers from Goa.
