Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet will launch 26 new flights this week, starting on 22 July. Some routes will run as part of the government’s UDAN scheme to better connect underserved regions of India. The airline is also increasing frequency on some of its more popular routes.
Connecting Regional Airports
Starting this week, SpiceJet will connect Nashik with Hyderabad and Delhi with Khajuraho under the state-subsidised UDAN scheme. The government initiative aims to improve economic development across India by connecting underdeveloped regional airports with metro areas. Airlines are encouraged to provide regular scheduled flights to tier -2 and -3 towns such as Nashik and Khajuraho.
UDAN routes announced by the airline include:
- Delhi to Nashik
- Hyderabad to Jammu
- Mumbai to Guwahati
- Mumbai to Jharsuguda
- Mumbai to Madurai
- Varanasi to Ahmedabad
- Kolkata to Jabalpur
Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial Officer of SpiceJet said: “Our new UDAN flights are a testimony to our commitment to connect the unconnected parts of the country and cater to rising passenger demand across the country. The new and additional flights have been carefully added keeping passenger convenience in mind and provide them with multiple travel options.”
Increasing Frequency on Flights
SpiceJet will also increase frequency on some of its existing routes, such as Ahmedabad-Jaipur, Delhi-Hyderabad, Delhi-Dharamshala, and Amritsar-Ahmedabad.
Shilpa Bhatia commented: “We are delighted to announce the launch of 26 new flights across different sectors. The launch of these new flights on important routes will help us strengthen our status as the country’s most preferred airline for flyers.”
New Routes Amid SpiceJet Controversy
News of the new routes comes at a delicate time for low-cost carrier’s reputation. At least eight SpiceJet planes had to make emergency landings in the past month, prompting concerns about passenger safety. In response to the issues, India’s airline regulator issued a “show-cause” notice to the airline, asking them justify why disciplinary action shouldn’t be taken against them.
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