SpiceJet halts direct Hyderabad-Ayodhya flight services

SpiceJet, the low-cost airline based in Gurugram, has ceased its direct flight services between Hyderabad and Ayodhya. This decision comes within two months of the route's launch, which had started in early April this year. The airline had been operating these non-stop flights three times a week from the Telangana capital to the historic city of Ayodhya.

According to a source at the GMR Group-operated Hyderabad International Airport, "SpiceJet has discontinued its non-stop flight services to Ayodhya from Hyderabad as of June 1." The decision was driven primarily by commercial considerations, with the airline citing low demand as the main factor.

A SpiceJet spokesperson elaborated, "The flight schedule is determined solely by market demand and commercial viability. Although we have stopped the Hyderabad-Ayodhya route, we continue to operate flights from Ayodhya to Chennai."

The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, which began operations on December 30, 2023, was expected to enhance connectivity to the city, especially given its significance as a major religious and cultural hub. Notably, SpiceJet had operated a special flight from Delhi to Ayodhya on January 21 to facilitate travel for attendees of the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple.

On January 31, SpiceJet had announced plans to commence flight services to Ayodhya from eight cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Patna, and Darbhanga, starting February 1.

Despite the discontinuation of the Hyderabad-Ayodhya route, the airline remains committed to connecting Ayodhya with other major cities, reflecting a strategic focus on routes with higher demand.