SpiceJet suspends flight services from city airport

SpiceJet has suspended flight services from Chennai airport from this week, sources said.

At Chennai airport, close to 55,000-60,000 passengers travel every day, and SpiceJet was among the various airlines offering flights to quite a few destinations.

According to Airports Authority of India (AAI), the airline was operating nearly 10 flights a day till April 30. The airline handled flights to cities including New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, and Shivamogga. “They have been gradually reducing the operations in recent times before suspending it now,” an official said.

Sources said the suspension was temporary and that the services from Chennai airport will resume in October. Since the wet lease for aircraft had expired recently, the airline had to stop the flight services from the airport for a couple of months, sources said.

AAI officials said another airline had drastically cut down on the number of flight services recently due to the steep rise in jet fuel prices.

P. Sankar, a frequent flyer said, it is disappointing that passengers will have one option less to choose from the list of airlines. “It is crucial for an airport to have sufficient number of airlines and offer connectivity to more destinations. This way they can attract more passengers. Adequate options will ensure that the passengers have reasonably priced fares. For instance, between Chennai and Thoothukudi, only one airline operates flights and the fares are pretty high. If there is more competition, the fares will be affordable and it will significantly help passengers,” he added.