SpiceJet puts up 1 mn seats starting Rs 999; rivals likely to follow

India’s second largest budget carrier SpiceJet announced its third flash sale in less than a month offering a million seats for fares starting at `999 plus taxes.

India’s second largest budget carrier SpiceJet announced its third flash sale in less than a month offering a million seats for fares starting at Rs 999 plus taxes.

The discounted tickets can be booked till July 10 for travel between January 6 and October 24, 2015 to destinations across India.

The low-cost carrier had earlier announced flash sales on June 17 and June 27. However, rival airlines IndiGo and GoAir are expected to counter SpiceJet’s offer. “This is an excellent opportunity for fliers to plan their travel in advance and get fares that are cheaper than even a long distance bus ride. SpiceJet is giving a tough competition to Indian railways,” said Subhash Goyal, president, Indian Association of Tour Operators.

“Such advance purchase sales ensure airlines don’t fly with half empty planes during the lean season,” said Rajji Rai, chairman, Swift Travel International Ltd.

“This is a good way to raise cash without paying interest instead of borrowing from banks,” Rai added.

“The sale should have the positive effect of stimulating the air passenger market in the forthcoming year. Competition has intensified in the air market with the entry of new players, and this sale announcement by SpiceJet targets shoring up bookings in advance, so as to sustain their market share in the face on increased competition that is likely going forward,” said Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra.com.