Saudi Arabia-based Low Cost Carrier (LCC) Sama Airlines is considering restarting Indian operations during the Hajj season (October – January) this year. The airline started its Indian operations during early November last year on the Dammam – Mumbai route by operating three flights a week. The airline had also planned to operate flights twice a day on Dammam – Mumbai route by January this year. Due to shortage of aircraft, the airline discontinued its Indian operations by early March this year. The airline moved the aircraft from Indian routes and deployed it on Saudi Arabia – Egypt route. Currently Sama Airlines has six Boeing 737-300 aircraft.
A source close to the development informed that due to high demand and low connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia route during Hajj season, the airline is considering restarting Indian operations specifically for the Hajj season this year. The airline recorded close to 70 – 80 per cent load factor on Mumbai – Dammam route from November 2008 - March 2009 and is expecting similar load factors, if it restarts its operations for Hajj season this year. If it starts operations, the airline will operate only on Mumbai – Dammam route. It might, however, expand operations to other cities if required.
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