SpiceJet secures slots in London's Heathrow Airport to operate flights under the India-UK bilateral air services pact

"We would like to further inform you that SpiceJet has secured slots at London Heathrow Airport to operate flights effective September 1, 2020. This is presently under the bubble arrangement between India and UK and effective upto end of summer schedule i.e. October 23, 2020," the airline said in the disclosure to BSE.

The Gurugram-based airline firm said it is also in discussion to secure slots for the winter schedule for regular operations.

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said, “I am pleased and excited to share that SpiceJet has secured slots at London Heathrow Airport to operate flights effective September 1, 2020. London is one of the busiest long-haul destinations from India and this is a huge milestone for SpiceJet. Providing non-stop connectivity from India to different parts of the world, which in turn strengthens our own airport hubs, is a dream that we have long cherished and this is a small step in that direction. The identical arrival/departure slots that we have secured at Heathrow should suit the convenience of our passengers perfectly.”

On July 24, SpiceJet had informed BSE that it has been designated as Indian scheduled carrier to fly passengers as per the air services agreement between the Indian and UK governments which formed the air bubble agreement in the wake of suspension of regular international flights due to Covid-19 induced lockdown.

On July 23, the airline had received similar clearances from the government of India to carry operations as a scheduled carrier to the US.

Apart from Air India, only full service carrier Vistara has these clearances from the government.

Before starting the flight operations, Indian carriers also need similar clearance from the aviation authorities in the UK and the US.

Currently, regular commercial international flights continue to be suspended till August 31.