By Kavita Mistry 
SpiceJet has started its Haj 2025 operations with the inaugural flight taking off from Gaya to Medina, beginning this year’s pilgrimage. The airline will run a total of 45 flights in the first phase, connecting Gaya, Srinagar, Guwahati, and Kolkata with the Saudi Arabian cities of Medina and Jeddah.
This first phase of operations will continue until May 29, 2025. Flights from Guwahati to Medina are scheduled to begin on May 3, followed by flights from Srinagar to Medina starting on May 4. Services from Kolkata to Jeddah will begin on May 16. The return leg of the Haj operation is planned between June 13 and July 11.
SpiceJet will be carrying about 15,500 pilgrims this year, which is an 18 per cent rise from the 13,000 passengers the airline flew for Haj in 2024. The increase highlights the growing importance of Haj operations as a major source of revenue for the airline.
In 2024, SpiceJet had operated 102 Haj flights from seven Indian cities — Srinagar, Gaya, Guwahati, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad, and Vijayawada — and earned Rs 209 crore in revenue through the operation.
To improve the travel experience for pilgrims this year, the airline has added two wide-body Airbus A340 aircraft to its fleet. Each of these planes can carry 324 passengers and will be deployed on the Srinagar–Medina, Guwahati–Medina, and Kolkata–Jeddah routes. A 189-seater Boeing 737 has been assigned to the Gaya–Medina route.
“It is an honour for SpiceJet to once again play a meaningful role in facilitating the sacred Haj pilgrimage. Every year, we strive to make this journey smoother and more comfortable for thousands of pilgrims. Our continued participation in this important operation reflects our deep commitment to serving communities across the country with care, efficiency, and dedication,” said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer at SpiceJet.
