SpiceJet Expands Fleet With Ten Aircraft Reactivation: What It Means For Winter 2025 Travel In India, Dubai, Colombo, Kathmandu, And Beyond

Published on September 8, 2025

In an attempt to meet increasing demand for air transportation for the upcoming winter and summer months, SpiceJet plans to reactivate 10 grounded aircraft by April 2026. As part of the airline’s plan to improve the fleet capacity of the airline during peak demand periods which comprise the winter and summer holiday periods, the reactivation will include 4 to 5 of the aircraft. These will improve the demand and supply scenario of the airline for services across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and international cities like Dubai, Colombo and Kathmandu.

SpiceJet to Bring 10 Aircraft Back into Service

SpiceJet has made significant strides in addressing its fleet constraints by preparing to return several aircraft to operation. The airline has grounded a variety of aircraft models, including Boeing 737 NG, Boeing 737 MAX, and Q400s, stationed at airports across India. These planes, once returned to service, will help SpiceJet strengthen its operational efficiency and reduce maintenance liabilities, which have added substantial costs in recent months.

As part of its recovery plan, the airline has already secured engine overhaul and maintenance slots. Additionally, SpiceJet has dispatched 19 engines worldwide for repair, a crucial step in facilitating the gradual return of its grounded aircraft. With the first overhauled engines now back in service, the airline is on track to increase the pace of its fleet revival, ensuring that it can keep up with the rising demand in both domestic and international travel.

Addressing Operational and Financial Challenges

SpiceJet has faced significant challenges over the past year, including a reduction in the number of operational aircraft and increasing financial pressure. As of June 2025, the airline operated only 56 aircraft, with 21 grounded due to various maintenance and technical issues. These operational hurdles, combined with geopolitical tensions and market fluctuations, led to a reported net loss of Rs 238 crore in Q1 FY26, a stark contrast to the net profit of Rs 150 crore in the same period last year.

In response to these challenges, SpiceJet has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring plan. This includes an agreement to lease ten Boeing 737s, which will be inducted under damp lease arrangements by October 2025. These aircraft are expected to help SpiceJet cope with the anticipated demand for air travel in the winter and early summer months, particularly on routes to popular destinations like Dubai, Colombo, and Kathmandu.

SpiceJet’s Focus on Expansion and Capacity Building

The airline’s decision to return grounded aircraft to service, along with the addition of leased planes, signals a renewed focus on capacity expansion. This move is particularly timely, as the airline anticipates a surge in passenger demand during the upcoming peak seasons. With the global tourism market showing signs of recovery, SpiceJet’s fleet expansion will help address increased travel needs, particularly for Indian passengers looking to explore international destinations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

SpiceJet’s fleet expansion also comes as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its financial position. The airline raised Rs 3,000 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) in 2024, which was oversubscribed, demonstrating strong investor confidence. The funds have been earmarked for the restoration of grounded aircraft, the purchase of new planes, and the expansion into new markets.

Benefits for Indian and International Travellers

For travellers, this expansion translates into better connectivity and increased options for flights to popular destinations such as Dubai, Colombo, Kathmandu, and beyond. As SpiceJet works to restore its fleet, passengers can expect a more reliable and efficient travel experience, especially during the busy winter and summer seasons. The airline’s renewed focus on adding more aircraft to its fleet will also improve its on-time performance and overall customer satisfaction.

Travellers planning trips from India to these destinations will benefit from enhanced capacity, meaning more flights, more choices, and potentially lower fares as competition increases. Additionally, the availability of more aircraft means that SpiceJet will be able to accommodate a larger number of passengers, thus reducing the likelihood of overbooked flights and making travel more convenient for everyone.

SpiceJet’s Strategic Approach to Financial Recovery

In addition to fleet restoration, SpiceJet has undertaken significant steps to restructure its financial obligations. The airline has renegotiated its lease arrangements and has secured fresh capital to support its recovery efforts. By focusing on strengthening its fleet, reducing costs, and expanding its market reach, SpiceJet is positioning itself for a stable recovery.

For tourists, this means more options for affordable flights and better connectivity to both domestic and international destinations. As SpiceJet recovers and expands, the airline’s operations will contribute to overall improvements in the Indian aviation sector, making travel more accessible to a broader audience.

Strengthening the Indian Aviation Sector

SpiceJet step of reactivating 10 grounded aircraft is a way to give a new lease of life to its fleet and a way to prepare for rising demand in the upcoming seasons. The revival of India’s aviation sector means reaper for SpizeJet as more travel options for the upcoming seasons and expanding travel routes are helping passengers to expect more options and better connectivity to top travel destinations. People traveling for business, tourism, or family gatherings will definitely be satisfied with the increase in services levels by SpiceJet.

As the airline prepares to welcome more passengers with the reactivation of its fleet, it will be crucial for both business and leisure travellers to consider SpiceJet as a reliable and efficient choice for their travel needs.