Afghan medical tourists flying to India attract SpiceJet

[cobra commando]

New Delhi/Mumbai: Bibihaji Zia plans to return to Kabul next week after knee surgery in New Delhi. She'll fly with SpiceJet Ltd, part of surge in Afghan medical tourism that's a silver lining for the indebted Indian airline. "There are hospitals in Afghanistan, but the quality of medicine is the biggest issue," said the 54-year-old's son, Sediq, who organized the ticket. "Getting Indian visas is easy. The alternative, Pakistan, is less secure and less friendly." SpiceJet is the only private Indian carrier with direct flights to war- torn Afghanistan, a route that's busy even after Taliban militants fired rockets at Kabul airport and the MH17 disaster in Ukraine underscored risks in conflict zones. The number of Afghans seeking treatment, up 21% last year to more than 32,000, is set to climb further after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi relaxed visa rules to deepen ties. SpiceJet's data show it flies about 1,000 Afghan medical tourists and their relatives each month from Kabul to New Delhi, which may earn the company about Rs.15.6 crore a year based on average ticket prices. The carrier said the route is very positive when asked about profitability, without giving more details. That contrasts with the mounting costs and competition in India's skies that led SpiceJet to lose Rs.124 crore in the April-June period, its fourth straight quarterly loss. Shares in the airline, majority owned by billionaire Kalanithi Maran, have slid 20% this year. The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex index has gained 24% on optimism Modi's three-month old government will revive India's economy.


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Afghan medical tourists flying to India attract SpiceJet - Livemint

 

[Barak2]

Well that's interesting if we get to have ideas it can take things to another level because that is the most important part of it.

 

[brational]

@Barak2

Welcome to DFI.
Every new members should introduce himself to the other members in the forum. It would be great if you visit the following link and open a thread to introduce yourself.
http://defenceforumindia.com/forum/s/introductions-greetings.5/

 

[Barak2]

Okay cool buddy!