The Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet has been successful in obtaining the rights to operate special flights from multiple places throughout the nation in anticipation of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. With recent capital infusions intended to grow its network and aircraft, SpiceJet is prepared to launch a number of new regular routes in the upcoming months.
Though the trip to Mecca is still several months away, SpiceJet is actively planning for it. Seven important Indian cities—Srinagar, Gaya, Guwahati, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad, and Vijayawada—have been identified as the airline's confirmed flight routes for Hajj operations.
Travel to Medina is scheduled to start on May 9th, marking the start of the Hajj season. SpiceJet expects a significant increase in demand for Hajj flights in 2024 and hopes to take advantage of this to increase income. The Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet, Ajay Singh, expressed his excitement by saying,
“We are pleased to announce that we have been granted air permissions for Haj operations by seven renowned Indian towns. SpiceJet has always considered the Haj to be a key market, and we are committed to providing the pilgrims with excellent services. Our aim is to make sure that every traveler has a smooth and stress-free journey. We are excited to assist the Haj pilgrims on their holy journey and provide services to them."
SpiceJet has a track record of carrying out unique Hajj activities and frequently expands its fleet through long leases. To accommodate the seasonal demand for Hajj, the airline wet-leased two Airbus A340 aircraft the year before. In 2023, these flights began in five Indian cities: Bhopal, Gaya, Vijayawada, Aurangabad, and Srinagar. The flights brought in more than $40 million in revenue. SpiceJet hopes for even more success this year
It is anticipated that Saudi Arabian airlines and other Indian airlines will both run Hajj flights. The Ministry of Civil Aviation allots a certain number of Hajj flights to airlines each year. Every year, the Central Hajj Committee of India makes sure that all the preparations are made for the pilgrims' seamless journey.
Beyond these sporadic flights, SpiceJet is growing its fleet and network in preparation for a busy 2024. SpiceJet has recently raised over $100 million in finance, mostly through the issuance of stocks. The company intends to use the money wisely to make up ground and restore the company to its previous standing. With an emphasis on areas with less competition than the main trunk routes, the airline has been progressively increasing its footprint on tier 2 and tier 3 routes in India. SpiceJet recently announced plans to fly flights to the Lakshadweep Islands in the Indian Ocean, right off the coast of Kerala, and started operating flights to the recently opened airport in Ayodhya from eight locations.
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