SpiceJet to ramp up international operations from Cochin airport

SpiceJet, the country's second largest low fare airline, plans to ramp up its international operations from Cochin airport to the Middle East with more flights, as well as increased connectivity to Maldives through Kochi.

Representatives of SpiceJet and officials of Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) held a discussion in this regard here on Wednesday.

At present, the airline serves two international destinations -- Dubai and Maldives -- from here.

The airline has seen good traffic on these routes and now plans further expansion on these routes and potential new ones.

Cochin is also a transit airport for SpiceJet flights connecting various cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Kolkata, among others, to Male and Dubai.

"SpiceJet has seen excellent demand from Kochi. The Maldives is an easily accessible and increasingly popular destination that we want to provide more connection options through Kochi from various points in India," said Sanjiv Kapoor, chief operating officer of SpiceJet Ltd.

"The Gulf region has a lot of migrants from Kerala and offering affordable and convenient travel option to them is our commitment."

Cochin is the first green field airport in India built with public-private partnership. Since opening in 1999 it has grown rapidly becoming the fourth largest international airport in the country in terms of international passenger traffic.

"It is heartening to know that SpiceJet plans to increase its operations from Kochi. CIAL would like to extend all its support to the airline and ensure hassle-free and best infrastructure which will be helpful for the airline to start new flights from the state," said V.J. Kurian, managing director of CIAL.