SpiceJet (SG, Delhi International) will launch flights from Pondicherry on August 16, marking the airport's first commercial operations for at least a year. SpiceJet's flights will be operated under India's regional connectivity scheme – known as UDAN – and will operate 1x daily to Hyderabad International aboard Dash 8-400 aircraft, reports The Hindu.
Although SpiceJet has not applied for viability gap funding for its UDAN flights, it has been offered substantial discounts for its Pondicherry operations, including free water, electricity and security services and reduced VAT on jet fuel, reports the New Indian Express. The airline previously operated a Pondicherry-Bengaluru International service which was forced to end in January 2014 as it was unsustainable. Alliance Air (India) (9I, Delhi International) also tried its luck at Pondicherry in 2015, lasting just six months before cancelling services.
Located in India's south-east, Pondicherry Airport was expanded in 2007, but has seen intermittent service since. It features a 1200 metre runway 07/25 and a 2400sqm terminal.
