IndiGo on 29 April 2026 launched a direct, non-stop service between Chennai and Réunion Island, becoming the only Indian carrier to operate a direct air link to the French overseas territory. The inaugural flight marks the carrier’s strategic push into the western Indian Ocean and is intended to strengthen tourism, trade and cultural ties while giving a direct connection to the island’s large Indian-origin community.
The new route will operate three times a week — Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays — using fuel-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft. Flight 6E 1871 departs Chennai at 12:20 pm and arrives in Réunion at 5:10 pm local time; the return service, 6E 1872, leaves Réunion at 6:10 pm and is scheduled to reach Chennai at 2:10 am the following morning.
Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said the addition gives the airline a distinctive new destination and expands its global footprint, improving convenience for leisure travellers, business passengers and the Indian diaspora on the island.
Réunion is known for its UNESCO-listed national parks, volcanic peaks, rainforests and adventure tourism offerings such as canyoning, paragliding and whale watching. The route is expected to be particularly popular with the roughly 300,000 people of Indian origin on the island, who make up more than a third of Réunion’s population. Industry observers also foresee demand from business, medical, wellness and religious travellers, as the island develops luxury and sustainable tourism infrastructure and facilities for meetings and events.
The Chennai–Réunion link aligns with India’s hub-and-spoke aviation strategy that seeks to position metro airports like Chennai as global gateways, consolidate international traffic and boost inbound tourism. Reservations for the service are open via IndiGo’s website, mobile app and authorised agents, and the airline is offering add-ons such as pre-booked meals, seat selection and flexible fares. Passengers are reminded to check visa requirements and travel guidelines for travel to the French overseas territory before booking.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/indigo-establishes-direct-air-link-between-chennai-and-reunion-island-14006222.html
Category: India
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Publish Date: 2026-04-30 18:29:00
