SpiceJet offering discounts and free vouchers up to Rs 2,000 to grow sales did not take off well as aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded the plan.
According to DGCA officials, it had referred to the government-imposed fare limits and asked SpiceJet to stop the sale. The government-imposed fare limits had been in place since domestic flights resumed operation on May 25.
Following Covid-19 protocols, most of the flights are flying with seat occupancy of 50-60 per cent. Most flight bookings are still being made closer to the travel date and SpiceJet’s offer aims to increase forward bookings and raise cash.
Under its 1+1 offer, the airline is offering one-way fares starting Rs 899 (excluding taxes) and a complimentary voucher of up to Rs 2,000, which can be used for future bookings. The offer is open till August 7 and for travel till March 31, 2021.
In June IndiGo had given flexible payment options allowing passengers to secure booking by paying 10 per cent of ticket price upfront.
A SpiceJet spokesman said they had already complied with the DGCA directive.
