SpiceJet, one of India’s prominent low-cost carriers, is gearing up to expand its operations in the religious travel sector by securing exclusive rights to operate Haj flights from four key Indian cities—Kolkata, Guwahati, Srinagar, and Gaya. The airline plans to carry nearly 15,500 pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca in 2025, marking an 18% increase from the 13,000 pilgrims it flew in 2024. With these new routes, SpiceJet aims to generate an estimated ₹185 crore in revenue from the Haj flight operations.
The airline’s decision to expand its operations for Haj pilgrims comes as part of its strategic push to capture a larger share of the growing religious tourism market. The airline has already established a strong presence in the sector and is now focused on enhancing its offerings for Haj-bound passengers, ensuring smooth and efficient travel experiences. By securing exclusive rights to operate flights from these four cities, SpiceJet is looking to strengthen its foothold in the regional air travel market while contributing to the facilitation of religious pilgrimages for Indian Muslims.
The flight operations for Haj will be specially tailored to the needs of the pilgrims, with dedicated services to ensure comfort and convenience throughout their journey. SpiceJet plans to deploy its Boeing 737 aircraft for the operations, ensuring capacity for thousands of passengers. The airline will also provide a seamless experience through its robust ground handling services, ensuring pilgrims have a hassle-free travel experience from their departure points to the holy sites.
The Haj pilgrimage is a significant event for millions of Muslims worldwide, and the transportation of pilgrims is a critical component of the experience. With these expanded operations, SpiceJet is poised to offer an essential service, capitalizing on the growing demand for air travel to Mecca. As the airline prepares to cater to more pilgrims in 2025, it is clear that SpiceJet is strategically positioning itself as a leading player in the religious travel sector.
The company’s focus on increasing revenue from Haj flight operations highlights the importance of tapping into niche markets that hold significant potential. SpiceJet’s efforts to improve and expand its Haj services reflect its broader goal of expanding its market share and strengthening its position in the competitive Indian aviation market.
