SpiceJet recently announced that it has been designated as the scheduled Indian carrier to operate between India and the UK, and USA. The big announcement came over Friday and Saturday, though the clear dates of flights and operation have not been mentioned.
Till now, only Air India had operated flights between the countries in the wake of the pandemic under the Vande Bharat Mission.
The Indian government had resumed domestic flights from March 25, but there were serious restrictions and even bans on international flights which continue even after four months into the lockdown.
However, on July 3, it had said some international scheduled services on selected routes may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
When asked about the budget airlines&rsquo services, the Chairperson and Managing Director of Spicejet said, &ldquoI have always maintained that there is an opportunity in every adversity and the present crisis situation has seen SpiceJet rise to the occasion and play a pivotal role.&rdquo
The regulatory filing issued by the airline read, &ldquoThis is to inform you that in terms of the Air Services Agreement between the government of India and the government of the United States of America, SpiceJet has been designated as Indian scheduled carrier to operate on agreed services between India and the USA.&rdquo
A day after the announcement, the budget carrier informed the BSE that it has also been been designated India's scheduled carrier to United Kingdom.