FLY91 Honoured on 2026 IHC–IIHM Hospitality List for Expanding Regional Routes in Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra: What This Means for Travel
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In a vivid affirmation of its expanding role in India’s aviation and travel ecosystem, Goa‑based regional carrier FLY91 has been listed in the prestigious IHC–IIHM Hospitality Honours List 2026 under the Hotels, Restaurants & Travel category. The recognition was officially announced at the 11th International Hospitality Day (IHD) 2026 event recently convened in Hyderabad.
This accolade positions FLY91 alongside global hospitality and travel leaders, reinforcing its contribution to aviation services that extend beyond passenger transport. The airline received the honour in recognition of its efforts to expand air connectivity to smaller Indian cities — a crucial factor in boosting both economic activity and tourism in regional India.
International Hospitality Day is a global platform that celebrates achievements across hospitality and travel sectors. The Honours List is developed collaboratively by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), two institutions that champion excellence and innovation in service industries worldwide.
What the Honours List Signifies for Travel and Hospitality
The IHC–IIHM Hospitality Honours List recognises organisations and individuals that have made a measurable impact on the travel, hospitality and service ecosystem. Previous honorees globally include people and entities whose work has shaped consumer experience, industry standards and regional engagement in travel and tourism.
FLY91’s inclusion in the 2026 list reflects this broader narrative. The airline’s leadership was on ground in Hyderabad to accept the accolade on behalf of the company, spotlighting its growing presence within India’s aviation sector.
A Regional Carrier Redefining Domestic Air Travel
FLY91 operates as a pure‑play regional airline with its headquarters in Ribandar, Goa, and its primary hub at Manohar International Airport (Mopa). The airline was established in early 2023 and commenced commercial flight operations on 18 March 2024.
Unlike larger carriers that focus on metropolitan routes, FLY91’s mission centres on linking tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities with major hubs, bringing air travel closer to communities that previously had limited or indirect access. This model also supports tourism circulation and business exchange between smaller urban centres and larger economic nodes.
As of May 2026, the airline’s operational network includes flights connecting cities such as Pune, Sindhudurg, Solapur and Jalgaon in Maharashtra; Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands; Hubballi in Karnataka; and Vijayawada and Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, along with larger centres like Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad and Goa.
FLY91 currently operates a fleet of six ATR 72‑600 turboprop aircraft, a model well‑suited to short‑haul operations between regional airports.
Regional Connectivity and Tourism Development
The airline’s trajectory to date has been one of agile expansion. Industry databases list FLY91 as serving up to 14 domestic destinations, demonstrating a growing footprint across central and southern India.
This connectivity is significant for travellers seeking efficient services that bypass longer ground travel or indirect flight paths. For example, flights between emerging industrial centres and business hubs now provide alternatives to road or rail, increasing convenience for frequent travellers.
The airline’s focus aligns with India’s broader aviation growth, which has prioritised regional connectivity schemes to enhance economic linkages and make travel more accessible for a larger share of the population.
Industry Response and Strategic Growth Ahead
Experts tracking Indian aviation see FLY91’s recognition as part of a larger trend in which regional airlines are playing an increasingly vital role. These carriers are expanding their operational reach to destinations that traditionally lacked direct air links, thereby supporting tourism and business travel.
FLY91’s network and fleet strategy underscore its commitment to disciplined growth while maintaining service standards that attract both corporate and leisure travellers alike. Over the past two years, the airline has steadily increased flight frequencies and expanded services to meet rising demand across emerging city pairs.
A Broader Narrative in India’s Travel Sector
The inclusion of an Indian regional airline like FLY91 in a respected global hospitality and travel honours list highlights the shifting dynamics within the travel industry. Airlines are no longer evaluated solely on passenger volumes, but also on how effectively they serve communities, support tourism and integrate into wider travel and hospitality frameworks.
For travellers looking to explore India’s diverse landscape, from the island getaway of Agatti to the historic and commercial centres of central India, the expanded services of carriers like FLY91 add choice and convenience. The airline’s focus on connecting underserved cities with established hubs contributes to a more inclusive aviation market, enabling more people to leverage air travel as part of their mobility and exploration plans.
With its blend of service growth, strategic positioning and now a recognition on the IHC–IIHM global honours platform, FLY91’s evolution reflects both ambition and responsiveness to India’s dynamic travel needs.
