IndiGo vs SpiceJet: Comparison Guide

At-a-glance comparison

Attribute	IndiGo	SpiceJet	Notes
Airline category	Low-cost	Low-cost	Same category, a direct comparison
Primary hub	DEL (+ BOM, BLR, HYD)	DEL (+ BOM, CCU, HYD)	Same hub (DEL), a direct head-to-head
Fleet size (approx.)	420+ aircraft	55+ aircraft	Larger fleet: IndiGo (more route redundancy on cancellation/delay)
Global alliance	None (independent)	None (independent)	Neither is in a global alliance
Founded	2006	2005	SpiceJet has the longer operating history
Aircraft types in fleet	A320neo, A321neo, A320ceo, ATR 72	B737-800, B737 MAX 8, Q400
Domestic checked baggage (economy entry)	15 kg	15 kg	Same allowance
Cabin baggage	7 kg	7 kg
In-flight meals	Buy-on-board only	Buy-on-board only	Same meal policy
India customer care number	0124-617 3838	0124-404 8000

Fares on routes both airlines fly (HappyFares data)

Typical fare is the median of the fares HappyFares recorded for each airline's non-stop flights on the route, from fare searches between 4 Oct 2026 and 9 Nov 2026. Figures computed 9 Nov 2026. Flights is the number of distinct flight and date combinations behind each figure; routes with fewer than 5 for either airline are left out. Fares are one-way economy and change daily.

Route	IndiGo typical fare	SpiceJet typical fare	Difference
Bangalore to Delhi	₹10,378 42 flights IndiGo fares	₹15,803 90 flights SpiceJet fares	IndiGo ₹5,425 lower
Leh to Delhi	₹10,427 37 flights IndiGo fares	₹15,687 114 flights SpiceJet fares	IndiGo ₹5,260 lower
Delhi to Mumbai	₹7,517 36 flights IndiGo fares	₹12,770 98 flights SpiceJet fares	IndiGo ₹5,253 lower
Delhi to Srinagar	₹8,714 36 flights IndiGo fares	₹12,904 72 flights SpiceJet fares	IndiGo ₹4,190 lower
Kolkata to Delhi	₹9,692 35 flights IndiGo fares	₹13,833 91 flights SpiceJet fares	IndiGo ₹4,141 lower
Navi Mumbai to Kolkata	₹8,500 34 flights IndiGo fares	₹8,815 34 flights SpiceJet fares	IndiGo ₹315 lower
Navi Mumbai to Delhi	₹7,176 33 flights IndiGo fares	₹6,458 39 flights SpiceJet fares	SpiceJet ₹718 lower
Bangalore to Mumbai	₹12,782 29 flights IndiGo fares	₹11,877 93 flights SpiceJet fares	SpiceJet ₹905 lower

About IndiGo

IndiGo is India's largest airline by passengers carried and fleet size. Founded in 2006, the airline operates over 2,000 daily flights to 90+ domestic and 30+ international destinations. Known for on-time performance and low fares, IndiGo carries roughly 6 out of every 10 domestic passengers in India.

Fare structure: Economy 3 tiers, Saver (15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin, standard change/cancel fees) → Flexi Plus (15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin + complimentary meal + complimentary standard seat, partial change/cancel fees) → IndiGo UpFront (20 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin + complimentary meal + complimentary front-row Economy seat, ZERO change fee + LOW cancellation charges, Fast Forward not included). Business class: Stretch and Stretch Plus (lie-flat-style premium seating on select metro/long-haul A321 routes, generous baggage + meals + lounge access). Note: the legacy "Super 6E" fare brand was renamed to IndiGo UpFront in 2024 with revised benefits, and IndiGo no longer sells a "Lite" cabin-only fare on domestic.

About SpiceJet

SpiceJet is a budget airline serving India's domestic network and select international Gulf/Southeast Asia routes. The airline operates a mix of Boeing 737s for jet routes and Q400 turboprops for regional UDAN connectivity.

Fare structure: SpiceSaver (lowest, cabin + checked baggage, standard change/cancel fees) → SpiceFlex (more flexibility, lower change/cancel fees) → SpiceMax (premium tier, complimentary seat + meal, lowest change/cancel fees). SpiceClub loyalty points earned on every fare.

Who each airline suits

You want the lowest headline fare

Suited to this: Either: compare same-day fares

Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares for your route and date.

You need to arrive on time (business trip, connection)

Suited to this: Latest DGCA figures

On-time performance changes from month to month. Each airline's HappyFares page shows the latest DGCA monthly on-time figure; compare IndiGo and SpiceJet for your travel month.

Frequently asked questions

Is IndiGo cheaper than SpiceJet?

It depends on the route and the date. On the 8 routes where HappyFares has fare data for both (4 Oct 2026 to 9 Nov 2026), the typical IndiGo fare was lower on 6 and the typical SpiceJet fare was lower on 2, with gaps between ₹315 and ₹5,425. See the fares table on this page for each route. Both carriers are in the same fare class, so compare the total for what you need.

Which has better on-time performance, IndiGo or SpiceJet?

On-time performance changes from month to month. DGCA publishes each airline's monthly on-time figure, and each airline's HappyFares page shows the latest one. Compare IndiGo and SpiceJet for your travel month rather than relying on a long-term ranking.

Does IndiGo or SpiceJet have more checked baggage allowance?

IndiGo's economy domestic checked allowance is 15 kg. SpiceJet's is 15 kg. Both are equivalent. Pre-purchased excess baggage online is typically 25-30% cheaper than airport rates on either airline.

Which has the better frequent flyer programme?

IndiGo runs an independent loyalty programme; miles are not transferable to other airlines. SpiceJet runs an independent loyalty programme. For frequent international travellers, alliance membership is the deciding factor.

Which has better refund / cancellation policy, IndiGo or SpiceJet?

Both follow DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part IV, so the regulator-mandated framework is identical. IndiGo's UpFront fare has zero change fee and the lowest cancellation charges in its 3-tier economy structure. For Cancel-for-Any-Reason refunds regardless of fare rules, HappyFares Smart Saver add-on covers either airline.

Does IndiGo fly the same routes as SpiceJet?

IndiGo's hubs is DEL (plus BOM, BLR, HYD). SpiceJet's hubs is DEL (plus BOM, CCU, HYD). Both serve major Indian metros, but their route networks differ: IndiGo covers all 6 metros and 70+ Indian cities, and SpiceJet covers similar Indian network. Use HappyFares to see which airline operates your specific city pair.

Can I book both IndiGo and SpiceJet on HappyFares?

Yes. HappyFares lists fares from both IndiGo and SpiceJet (along with every other major airline operating Indian routes). The same pricing applies to both: taxes included in the fare shown, zero convenience fee on domestic flights with code HFNCF, an itemised fare breakdown and no pre-ticked add-ons. Compare and book either carrier in the same booking flow.

IndiGo vs SpiceJet: Compared