Budget airline carrier SpiceJet, led by industrialist Ajay Singh has announced to offer the services of its aircraft for operating few flights from Delhi, Mumbai to Patna to fly back immigrant laborers, specially from Bihar. Reports have surfaced that thousands of migrant laborers are stranded in various parts of the country due to Covid-19 related lockdown.
After central government announced the ban on domestic and international carriers till April 14 midnight, several domestic airlines including IndiGo and GoAir have offered their aircraft crew and staff to the government in case any help required to contain the spread of corona virus.
In an statement, Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet said – “SpiceJet has offered our aircraft and crew for any humanitarian mission that the government needs us to fly.”
Ajay added that “We will do as much as we can to help our government and fellow citizens in the fight to defeat coronavirus. Corona warriors all over the country – be it our doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, the police, volunteers – and our government is doing an excellent job. We at SpiceJet are proud and honoured to help our government and people in whatever small way we can.”
Spicejet is already flying medicine, food and medical equipment for the government. Yesterday, it offered for flying immigrant workers as a humanitarian gesture after news of some these labourers walking back home covering several thousand kilometers were reported.
Spicejet tweeted – “We would like to alleviate the suffering of the migrant workers, especially those from Bihar, by flying some flights between Delhi/Mumbai and Patna.”
On 24 March Indian government has announced to impose a 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of corona virus. Lockdown came into force on Wednesday. Covid-19 virus has claimed 17 lives and infected over 700 people so far.
Yesterday, Spicejet imported 5000 infrared thermometers to Kolkata. Spicejet announced the news via their official twitter handle.
We were privileged to import an emergency supply of 5000 infrared thermometers to Kolkata yesterday, to help detect COVID-19 cases here, in this joint struggle against coronavirus.
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) March 27, 2020
SpiceXpress- working 24X7 to transport essential supplies across India.#SpiceXpress pic.twitter.com/7e8FxXLang
Due to lockdown, all the passenger flights have been suspended. Spicejet also announce waiver of a change fee (fare difference if any will be applicable) if the alternate flight is taken till 30th April 2020 on existing bookings made till 13th Mar 2020.
