SpiceJet hopes to make up for losses with Pune-Dubai flights

Debt-ridden low cost carrier SpiceJet, which is attempting to revive its fortunes, will soon operate daily flights between Pune and Dubai. The new route will replace the existing Pune-Sharjah route, which is reportedly running into losses.

The airline plans to start using the new route from April 15 for four days a week. The distance between the financial hub and Sharjah, an upcoming business district, is barely 20 km.

"With this move, SpiceJet will no longer operate any service to Sharjah, consolidating its UAE service to focus on Dubai," said an airline spokesperson.

As per the new schedule prepared by the airline, the new flight will depart daily from Pune at 8.15 pm and arrive in Dubai at 9.45 pm local time. The return flight will depart from Dubai at 11 pm and arrive in Pune at 4 am the next morning. Two more cities, Amritsar and Mangalore, will also be connected to Dubai by SpiceJet in the coming weeks, taking the total to 8 cities.

Dubai is one of the most frequently visited global destinations by Indians, apart from travelers and expats from other countries. According to an estimate, around 11 million people visited the city in 2013.