IndiGo vs SpiceJet — Compared

Verdict in 60 seconds: IndiGo and SpiceJet are both low-cost Indian carriers in the same fare class. IndiGo has the larger network and best on-time performance (DGCA #1 for 14+ years). Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares — the difference on any given route is typically under ₹500.

At-a-glance comparison

AttributeIndiGoSpiceJetNotes / verdict
Airline category Low-cost Low-cost Same category — direct comparison
Primary hub DEL (+ BOM, BLR, HYD) DEL (+ BOM, CCU, HYD) Same hub (DEL) — 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 —

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.

Read more about IndiGo →

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.

Read more about SpiceJet →

Best for...

You want the cheapest possible fare
Best: Either — compare same-day fares
Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares; differences are usually ₹200-500 either way based on route and day.
You need to arrive on time (business trip, connection)
Best: IndiGo
IndiGo has been India's most punctual airline for 14+ consecutive years per DGCA monthly on-time performance reports. SpiceJet is generally good but doesn't match IndiGo's consistent 85-90% on-time arrival rate.

Frequently asked questions

Is IndiGo cheaper than SpiceJet?
Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares — the difference on overlapping routes is usually under ₹500 either way. On HappyFares, the displayed price is the all-in price (no convenience fee) for either airline.
Which has better on-time performance — IndiGo or SpiceJet?
IndiGo has been India's most punctual carrier for 14+ consecutive years per DGCA monthly on-time performance reports (typically 85-90% on-time arrival). SpiceJet's on-time performance ranges 70-85% depending on the month. For time-sensitive trips, IndiGo is the safer choice.
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 — 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 all-in pricing applies regardless of carrier: zero OTA convenience fee on domestic flights, transparent fare breakdown, no pre-ticked add-ons. Compare and book either carrier in the same booking flow.

Related airline comparisons

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Last reviewed: 2026-05-20 · Sources: Airline-published fact sheets, DGCA on-time performance reports, alliance membership rolls. Information accurate as of the review date.

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