SpiceJet to launch more flights connecting pilgrimage spots after Ayodhya

New Delhi: In the next two years, SpiceJet plans to expand its business increasing connectivity between various tourist and religious destinations including Lakshadweep, the airline's chief Ajay Singh said. This is soon after the airline's direct flight service connecting Ayodhya with eight cities was inaugurated on February 1. The domestic carrier has also plans to operate seaplanes and is awaiting infrastructure development for water ports, the CMD told PTI in an interaction.

"I think this is the time to expand. SpiceJet will do its utmost to expand its business over the next two years. We want to connect many tourist destinations, religious tourism, medical tourism, places like Lakshadweep," Singh said in reply to a question on the company's expansion plan.

According to Singh, the airline already has the licence to operate seaplanes, and plans are in the works to connect several locations through seaplane services. Asked about the company's plan to connect Ayodhya with more locations through its network, Singh said every large and small city today wants connectivity with Ayodhya. So the plans are in the works.

"I think every airline wants to connect with Ayodhya today with more and more flights. I think soon enough the government will have to expand the airport at Ayodhya. "There is no doubt that Ayodhya will be one of the leading tourism destinations in the world. Just like you hear Vatican or Mecca, I do not doubt that Ayodhya will become the largest tourist destination in the world," he said. Singh further said the air cargo segment sees growth in a very big way and SpiceJet hopes to start air cargo services using wide-body aircraft not just within the country but also overseas, including large commercial centres across the globe.

The company also aims to complete the listing process on NSE soon, he said. "We have applied already. We are pushing to just as soon as possible. We have a few meetings over the next two to three days to ensure we shorten the process of listing as soon as possible," Singh said.