SpiceJet Halts Chennai Operations Temporarily, Citing Wet Lease Expiry

SpiceJet has temporarily suspended flight services from Chennai airport as of this week, according to airport sources. The airline, which operated nearly 10 flights daily until April 30, served destinations including New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, and Shivamogga.

Chennai airport sees approximately 55,000 to 60,000 passengers daily. The suspension is attributed to the expiry of a wet lease for aircraft, with services expected to resume in October, sources said. The Airports Authority of India confirmed a gradual reduction in operations before the full suspension.

Separately, officials noted that another airline had also significantly cut flights recently due to rising jet fuel prices.

Frequent flyer P. Sankar expressed disappointment, stating that fewer airline options could lead to higher fares. He highlighted the Chennai-Thoothukudi route, where a single operator results in expensive tickets, and emphasised the need for competition to keep fares affordable.