SpiceJet punctuality plunges in October

During the peak travel season, lowcost airline SpiceJet's on-time performance dropped significantly, inconveniencing passengers. According to available data, its punctuality rate ranged from 50% to 60% in the past five days. On 20 October, its punctuality rate hit a low of 40.2%, resulting in 60% flight delays.

- Anu Sharma

According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the civil aviation regulator, a flight is delayed if it takes off 15 minutes after its scheduled departure.

The airline's dismal performance is as follows: On 16 October 50.6% of its flights were delayed, on 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 October it was at 45.7%, 53.3% 54.4% 40.2% and 57.3%, respectively. On 22 October, it improved to 61.6%.

In comparison, other airlines fared far better, with IndiGo achieving a rate of 97% on 22 October, Akasa 98.5%, Vistara 95.1%, AirAsia India 93.1%, and Air India 91%.