SpiceJet set to begin special non-stop flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to Iraq’s Najaf, considered to be one the holiest cities in the world for Muslims, a company statement said on October 17.
With the launch of these flights, SpiceJet will be the only Indian airline to run flights to Najaf, proving a “seamless travel experience”, the company said.
The flights from Mumbai will start on October 18 this year and from Ahmedabad on October 19, the low-cost carrier said.
“For millions of devout Indians, Najaf is a pilgrimage of a lifetime. SpiceJet is proud to be the only Indian airline to offer direct connectivity to this revered city. By providing these non-stop flights, we are not just offering a service; we are honouring a sacred journey and making it accessible with unmatched ease and comfort. SpiceJet has always believed in opening new horizons for our passengers. This special service to Najaf is another step in that direction and a testament to our commitment to serving the travel needs of our diverse communities,” said Debojo Maharshi, chief business officer, SpiceJet.
The announcement of the new flights is part of the airline’s ongoing expansion strategy, under which it has inducted new aircraft to boost its operational capacity, the company statement said.
“With a significantly larger fleet size, SpiceJet aims to foray into new domestic & international destinations. The airline is strategically scaling up its operations this winter and is on track to more than double its operational fleet size and triple its available seat kilometers (ASKM) by introducing new routes, increasing flight frequencies, and adding exciting destinations across its network.”
Demand for Najaf flights
Najaf is one of the most revered sites for Muslims in the world as several Indian pilgrims undertake the journey to pay their respects to shrine of Imam Ali.
“Beyond Imam Ali’s shrine, Najaf offers a wealth of spiritually enriching sites, including Wadi-us-Salaam, the world’s largest cemetery; the Kufa Mosque, one of the oldest in Islamic history; and the Great Najaf Seminary, a globally respected centre of Shia learning. Its proximity to Karbala and Kufa further enhances its appeal for pilgrims embarking on a transformative journey,” the company said.
Moreover, the airline is considering making Najaf a permanent scheduled destination to meet the growing demand.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
