SpiceJet resumes normal flights; opens easy refund window

The operations of low-cost carrier SpiceJet, which were hit severely last week due to the non-payment of dues to the oil companies and regulatory issues, returned to normal on Saturday with the airline announcing that it has operated 124 flights till Saturday afternoon.

"Today's operations: SpiceJet as of 3.15 PM operated 124 flights with an on-time performance of 90 per cent," the airline's chief operating officer Sanjiv Kapoor said in a tweet.

"SpiceJet is continuing to operate its full schedule of (230) flights. We have also operated extra flights since Wednesday evening to accommodate backlogged passengers in locations such as Port Blair and Goa," the airline said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the beleaguered carrier also announced convenient online steps to modify cancelled or rescheduled tickets. Customers can now use the self-help link on the airline website to modify bookings, with the airline revoking additional charges on modification.

The airline said in a statement that if a SpiceJet flight is cancelled or rescheduled by 90 minutes or more, customers can visit the airline website and change flight or apply for refund. This is the first time ever that an airline has automated disruption management in place for passengers.

Those having booked tickets through travel agents can also modify bookings online, but need to contact their agent for refunds.

Kaneswaran Avili, chief commercial officer, SpiceJet, said, ''Our call centres have been experiencing heavy traffic, hence this is a move to ensure passengers are not left unattended.''