SpiceJet has announced plans to launch up to 100 additional daily flights during the current winter schedule, aiming to strengthen capacity in the domestic aviation market amid the ongoing disruption at IndiGo. The airline stated that the expansion is being driven by strong seasonal demand across major routes.
The airline clarified that the rollout of the additional flights will be subject to regulatory approvals. SpiceJet stated that rising winter travel demand has prompted the carrier to increase its operations to ensure smoother connectivity and adequate seat availability across its network, as reported by ANI.
Fleet expansion to support winter push
To support the planned expansion, SpiceJet mentioned it has inducted 17 aircraft into active operations over the past two months. This initiative has been done through a mix of damp-leased planes and the return of its own aircraft to service. This expanded fleet availability will provide the airline with greater operational flexibility. The services will be deployed on high-demand routes and will enhance the connectivity.
The main focus of the airline for the current winter schedule is to add more aircraft, maximise the use of aircraft and build overall connectivity through better planning and operational deployment.
IndiGo crisis, regulatory action and Market impact
The capacity augmentation drive has been planned in view of widespread operational challenges faced by IndiGo in recent days. Earlier, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, in an interview with ANI, stated that flight operations were gradually coming back to normal after disruptions caused by the recent IndiGo crisis. He also added that the government had coordinated with airports and other agencies at multiple levels to address passenger hardships.
The stock market responded positively to SpiceJet’s expansion plan, with the airline’s shares recording a sharp rally. The IndiGo disruptions have also opened opportunities for rival competitors to deploy additional capacity during the winter season. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a 10% cut in IndiGo’s winter schedule, potentially freeing up close to 110 daily flight slots for other airlines, as per the Economic Times report.
For passengers, SpiceJet’s additional flights are likely to provide more travel options during the peak winter period.