IndiGo Airlines has emerged as the favourite domestic airline this year, closely followed by Jet Airways, according to a survey conducted by travel site TripAdvisor.
Last year’s winner, Kingfisher Airlines, still enjoys goodwill amongst Indian travellers with 74 per cent respondents optimistic about the airline’s revival.
Addressing a press conference, Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India said: “IndiGo takes the top spot as favourite domestic carrier with Jet Airways closely tied behind. However, travellers have voted for Jet Airways as the best on most in-flight comfort and service parameters as well as Web site experience and safety.”
“The domestic airline industry overall has witnessed a difficult year and with recent turbulent times for Kingfisher Airlines, consumers have limited options. However, our survey shows that respondents consider the airline resilient and are positive about its comeback,” he said.
The absolute top spot has remained elusive. IndiGo and Jet Airways this year were close contenders for the title of Favourite Domestic Airline, displacing two-time winner Kingfisher Airlines, with IndiGo taking the lead by a small margin. Jet Airways was also closely tied in last year’s survey with Kingfisher Airlines, coming in second by a small margin.
National carrier Air India extended its legacy as the least favourite domestic airline for the third year in a row.
Emirates was voted the Best International Airline for the third year in a row by 26 per cent of the respondents, followed by Singapore Airlines (15 per cent) and Lufthansa (11 per cent).
He said TripAdvisor was seeking to expand its presence and reach in India, while also seeking local content contribution from its users. “In about four years, we have made big inroads into India,” he said