Patna: As IndiGo struggles with a major internal crisis that has disrupted flight operations across the country, SpiceJet has stepped in with new services to help passengers, especially in Bihar. The airline has launched fresh flights connecting Delhi and Mumbai to Patna and Darbhanga, two of the busiest travel hubs in the state. The announcement was made late on Friday night, bringing some relief to travellers who had spent the day facing delays and uncertainty.
The new routes became operational on Saturday, December 6, and include four sectors: Delhi–Patna, Delhi–Darbhanga, Mumbai–Patna and Mumbai–Darbhanga. SpiceJet said the additional flights were introduced to ensure that passengers continue to have reliable options despite IndiGo’s disruptions. These routes are expected to ease pressure on Patna and Darbhanga airports, which saw some of the worst impacts of Friday’s cancellations.
IndiGo’s crisis has had a severe effect on air travel in Bihar. A total of 22 flights were cancelled across four key airports—Patna, Darbhanga, Gaya and Purnia—on Friday. Patna Airport witnessed the highest number of disruptions, with 12 flights cancelled in a single day. Passengers reported long waiting hours, confusion over alternative bookings, and last-minute changes that left many frustrated.
In contrast, SpiceJet has released a clear schedule for its new services. Flight SG 176 will depart Delhi at 7.15pm for Patna, while SG 336 will leave Mumbai at 3.55pm and reach Patna by evening. For Darbhanga, flight SG 495 will take off from Delhi at 1.40pm, and SG 252 will depart from Mumbai at 9.30am. The airline has said these routes are designed to offer smoother travel and reduce the immediate burden caused by the cancellations.
With the holiday and wedding season approaching, the aviation sector in Bihar is under immense pressure. Local travellers, students and migrant workers rely heavily on flights during this period. SpiceJet’s intervention is expected to provide much-needed stability until IndiGo resolves its issues. For now, passengers can expect at least some improvement in connectivity as the new services take effect.
