One of the less expensive airlines in India is SpiceJet. It has recently received attention, and if you plan to fly with them, you should be aware of a few things. While the airline is popular for offering cheap airfare, recent events have prompted questions about its activities and financial stability. You can also find the best deals on cheap flights to Delhi from USA with Tripbeam, ensuring a smoother and more affordable journey.
In the past week, Carlyle Aviation Management Limited converted its debt to equity in SpiceJet, reflecting the airline’s attempt to manage its financial woes. According to both the airline’s statements and flight tracking data, SpiceJet has more aircraft currently grounded than in active service. Additionally, some aircraft on wet/damp lease remain grounded for reasons yet to be disclosed by the airline.
Despite these setbacks, SpiceJet continues to record high load factors, but a noticeable decline in On-Time Performance (OTP) has been reported, raising questions for passengers concerned about flight reliability.
Where Can You Travel in India with SpiceJet?
Exclusive data from Cirium reveals that SpiceJet currently operates 91 city pairs across India, representing just 8% of the 1,112 routes currently in service nationwide. Once a dominant player on several key routes, SpiceJet’s influence has since narrowed to primarily RCS-UDAN routes. Of the 91 routes, 17 are exclusive to SpiceJet, most of which fall under the government’s RCS-UDAN initiative. The airline’s 18% routes are essential because they provide a consistent flow of cash for the company by filling its financial gap.
Popular routes in this network include flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Darbhanga, from Mumbai to Kandla, and from Mumbai and Pune to Bhavnagar. Additionally, SpiceJet operates flights from Delhi to Khajuraho and Shillong, and from Kolkata to Tezpur. Meanwhile, for unbeatable fares on flights to Kolkata from USA, trust Tripbeam to provide a comfortable and affordable travel solution.
SpiceJet has significantly scaled back its presence on major metro routes, with only a token service left on the Mumbai-Delhi-Mumbai corridor. Despite the competitive advantage that business routes offer with their high last-minute fare potential, the airline has managed to maintain a healthy RASK (Revenue per Available Seat Kilometre), even with its reduced presence in these key markets.
Instead, SpiceJet has shifted its focus to underserved, slot-constrained, or seasonal routes like Srinagar, Leh, and Pune—markets where competitors face difficulties in rapidly increasing flight frequency. However, as IndiGo and Air India Express continue to aggressively expand their capacities, SpiceJet may find itself under increasing pressure to defend its remaining strongholds.
What to Consider When Booking with SpiceJet?
SpiceJet consistently ranks among the lowest in On-Time Performance (OTP) across Indian skies. However, the reported data only reflects OTP for four major metro airports, excluding the airline’s entire network. With such limited coverage, some of SpiceJet’s flights may be operating on time but go unreported, while significant delays on other routes might also escape tracking.
Considering this, you can keep a close watch on your flight status before heading to the airport. There have been instances of staff protests and disputes with fuel suppliers and airports, leading to delays, although these issues are often not fully disclosed by the parties involved.
Need Cheap Airfare from the USA to India?
SpiceJet’s challenges may make it less attractive for international routes if you’re looking to book Affordable tickets to India from USA. However, other airlines like Air India, Vistara, and United Airlines continue to offer competitive fares. Tripbeam specializes in helping you find the best deals on cheap flights from the USA to India, confirming a cost-effective and luxurious journey.
Also read: Indira Gandhi International Airport: India’s Premier Aviation Hub
