India’s largest carrier IndiGo has China on the radar for its next expansion phase.
The airline has applied for approvals to start flights from Delhi to Chengdu and Kolkata-Guangzhou.
It is still awaiting regulatory approvals it said, although media reports are suggesting the Civil Aviation Administration of China has already granted IndiGo approval.
"We are in the process of securing the necessary approvals to operate into China, and as soon as we receive all the requisite permissions from the governments to operate, we will inform our key stakeholders accordingly," the airline said.
New aircraft deliveries have made network expansion to China more feasible.
"With our existing fleet and the new A321neo aircraft, IndiGo will have the capability to reach cities in China, Middle East and South East Asia," IndiGo said.
No start dates or flight timings have been disclosed but the carrier vowed earlier this year that it would start daily flights to China before the end of 2019.
It now serves 17 international destinations and has plans for many more.
"We are evaluating all such opportunities to expand our network and provide many more choices to our customers," IndiGo said.
