SpiceJet to ramp up international operations from Kochi

Kochi, Apr 22: Low-cost airline SpiceJet on Wednesday announced plans to ramp up its international operations from Cochin International Airport as it adds more aircraft.

"The airline plans to enhance its network from Kochi to the Gulf region with more flights, as well as increase connectivity to Male through Kochi from other points in India," the airline said in a release.

The plans to ramp up overseas operations were announced after representatives and officials of Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) held a discussion here on this issue.

At present the airline operates to two international destinations, Dubai and Male (Maldives) from Kochi. The airline said it has seen good traffic on these routes and now plans further expansion from the city on these routes and potential new ones.

Kochi is also a transit airport for SpiceJet connecting various cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Kolkata among others to Male and Dubai.

As per discussions, SpiceJet is exploring further increasing its presence in the Gulf region with additional frequencies to Dubai, as well as potential new flights connecting Kochi with some popular destinations like Muscat.

Sanjiv Kapoor, Chief Operating Officer, SpiceJet Ltd said the airline has seen "excellent demand" from Kochi for its flights on both domestic as well as the international routes, and "it makes sense for us to start more operations from this beautiful port city of Kerala."

"The Maldives is an easily accessible and increasingly popular destination that we want to provide more connection options to through Kochi from various points in India, and the Gulf region has a lot of migrants from the State and offering affordable and convenient travel option to them is our commitment," he said.

V J Kurian, Managing Director, Cochin International Airport Ltd, welcomed the Spicejet plans to increase its operations from Kochi.

"CIAL would like to extend all its support to the airline and ensure hassle free and best in class infrastructure which will be helpful for the airline to start new flights from the State," Kurian said.

PTI