New Delhi: Spicejet, a budget carrier, has been placed under “enhanced surveillance” by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation after passengers were denied boarding on its flights in Dubai due to unpaid airport fees.
“Based on reports of cancellation of flights and financial stress being experienced by Spicejet Airlines, a special audit of Spicejet engineering facilities was conducted on 7th and 8th August 2024, which has revealed certain deficiencies,” the DGCA said in a statement on Thursday.
The DGCA stated the airline has been placed under “enhanced surveillance with immediate effect,” which includes additional spot checks and nighttime audits to guarantee operational safety.
SpiceJet had to operate many empty flights from Dubai because customers could not check in because the airline had failed to pay certain taxes.
A SpiceJet representative blamed the cancellations on “operational issues” and claimed impacted passengers were rebooked on following flights or other airlines or received a full refund.
The firm reported that all booked flights from Dubai are presently operating as planned.
SpiceJet announced earlier this month that it had achieved a settlement with Mumbai airport over “a minor financial matter,” hours after being warned of “temporary disruptions” in a now-deleted social media post. On August 12, the CSMIA issued a passenger advisory stating that SpiceJet aircraft operations from Mumbai International Airport were expected to be momentarily affected beginning at midnight on August 13.
“The Mumbai International Airport is working with the airline to address the situation to minimise inconvenience to passengers,” it said.
“The passenger advisory issued by MIAL has been withdrawn. Our flight operations in and out of Mumbai are operating normally. SpiceJet and MIAL have worked collaboratively to swiftly resolve a minor financial matter,” the airline had said.
There have also been reports that SpiceJet is delaying salary payments to staff. Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court ordered SpiceJet to ground three engines leased from French lessors after it failed to pay the fees. The court ordered the budget airline to halt these engines by August 16, restore them to the two lessors – Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS – within 15 days, and make additional preparations for inspection. This judgement came after the lessors rejected SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh’s request to pledge his shares as collateral for the airline’s outstanding liabilities.
Following a spate of safety incidents in short succession in 2022, the DGCA authorised SpiceJet to operate only 50% of its fleet. The aviation regulator had also conducted audits at the time, enabling the airline to release aircraft only after ensuring any flaws or malfunctions were resolved. SpiceJet was not allowed to use its entire fleet until October 30 of that year.
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–IANS
Photograph for Representation Purpose
