SpiceJet adds 22 special flights for Durga Puja 2026

Indian Opinion Analysis

The festival season is the busiest period for domestic air travel in eastern India, with Kolkata and Bagdogra serving as key gateways for passengers travelling to and from the northeast. Airlines typically add capacity on these routes during Durga Puja, but the number of flights is also determined by slot availability at major airports. Kolkata airport, which handles over 20 million passengers annually, faces severe congestion during peak hours, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation allocates slots through a coordination process. SpiceJet's announcement suggests it expects strong advance bookings, but the actual load factor on these flights will show whether demand matches capacity. The carrier's financial performance, under a court-approved resolution plan, will also be tested by how well it can maintain on-time performance during the rush.