New Delhi— Domestic carrier SpiceJet has announced plans to introduce up to 100 additional daily flights during the ongoing winter schedule, aiming to boost capacity at a time when IndiGo’s operational disruptions have placed pressure on India’s aviation network.
In a statement, the airline said the surge in passenger demand on major routes has prompted it to expand services significantly, with the rollout of new flights subject to regulatory approval. SpiceJet added that it is focused on ensuring adequate connectivity and maintaining stability in the aviation market during the busy travel season.
The airline has strengthened its fleet over the past two months by inducting 17 aircraft into active operations. This includes a mix of damp-leased planes and the return of its own aircraft to service. The carrier said the increased fleet strength gives it greater flexibility to add capacity on high-traffic routes and enhance the resilience of its network.
According to SpiceJet, the current schedule prioritises adding more aircraft, improving utilisation, and optimizing route planning to expand connectivity across the country.
The announcement comes as the civil aviation sector works to stabilise operations following widespread disruptions at airports triggered by the IndiGo crisis. Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said that the situation is gradually returning to normal, noting that the government has been coordinating with airports to address passenger concerns.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has granted IndiGo’s CEO and Accountable Manager a one-time 24-hour extension to reply to a Show Cause Notice issued on December 6. The notice was linked to large-scale delays and alleged non-compliance, with the airline citing “operational constraints” arising from the scale of its nationwide network as the reason for seeking more time.
