The airline confirmed that these additional services began operations from October 10 in a phased manner. “The festive season holds immense significance for millions of our passengers, and we are delighted to make travel home for Chhath Puja and Diwali more convenient,” said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer of SpiceJet.
Earlier this week, Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express also announced an increase of 166 flights to and from Patna to handle the surge in festive travelers. Air India will operate 114 additional flights connecting Patna to different cities, while Air India Express adds 52 flights from Delhi and Bengaluru. These flights are scheduled until November 2, aligning with the festive season’s peak travel period.
The addition of these flights by both airlines comes in response to rising passenger demand during the festive season. Traditionally, millions of Indians travel back to their hometowns in Bihar for Chhath Puja and Diwali, leading to packed airports and higher demand for flexible travel schedules.
Industry experts note that airlines in India often ramp up operations during major festivals to meet the spike in bookings. Enhanced connectivity not only benefits passengers but also supports regional tourism and economic activity in states like Bihar.
SpiceJet and Air India’s coordinated efforts highlight the importance of timely scheduling and operational planning in India’s aviation sector during high-demand periods. Passengers are advised to book tickets early and check airline schedules to avoid last-minute disruptions.