InterGlobe Aviation Ltd-led IndiGo plans to launch non-stop daily flight service between Bengaluru-Hong Kong from December, a source in the know of the matter told CNBC-TV18.

Introductory fares on Bengaluru-Hong Kong route are expected at around Rs 11,500, the source said.

Currently, Cathay Pacific/Cathay Dragon are the only airlines which offer non-stop service between the two cities.

Air India, Jet Airways, SpiceJet among others provide a one-stop service between the two points with layover at cities such as New Delhi and Mumbai.

"This will be a non-stop service from December 10. Earlier we only had six slots, but now it will be operated daily," the source said.

Initially, the service will be offered on an Airbus A320neo, it will graduate to A321 later, which has more seat capacity, the source added.

The A321neos are the longer version of the A320s with higher seating capacity and the airline is likely to induct its first A321neo this year.

While the market on the route is not huge, the airline's new bet is likely to attract traffic from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, sources privy to the developments told CNBC-TV18.

"The unavailability of any direct flight from Cochin to Hong Kong may work in IndiGo's favour with a one-stop service (Cochin-Bengaluru-Hong Kong). Similarly, there is no low-cost carrier flying non-stop between Chennai and Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific is the only carrier which provides non-stop service between Chennai and Hong Kong. This brings a lot of connecting traffic," an industry expert said.

The Gurugram-based airline has been trying to strengthen its network in Southeast Asia with the latest launch announcement being daily flights between New Delhi and Phuket, commencing from November 23, 2018.

In September, the airline also announced daily non-stop flights between Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi, Bengaluru. These flights will commence from November 15, 2018.

Queries sent to the airline by CNBC-TV18 were acknowledged but a confirmation or denial on the matter was not received until the story was published.

First Published:Oct 17, 2018 2:57 PM IST