Budget airline SpiceJet faced a crisis this week, operating empty planes from Dubai after passengers were denied check-in due to the airline’s outstanding dues. The issue arose from SpiceJet’s failure to settle payments to its ground-handling service provider, Dnata, leading to several flight cancellations.
The dispute resulted in SpiceJet returning its planes to India without passengers, disrupting travel plans for many. According to industry sources, the cancellations stemmed from SpiceJet’s inability to pay for passenger facilitation or fuel. To manage its operational schedule, the airline chose to fly the aircraft back empty.
A SpiceJet spokesperson attributed the cancellations to “operational issues” and assured that affected passengers were accommodated on later flights or other airlines or given full refunds. The spokesperson confirmed that all flights from Dubai are now operating as scheduled.
This incident follows a recent advisory at Mumbai International Airport regarding temporary disruptions in SpiceJet’s operations, which were resolved after payment issues were addressed. The airline has also been facing internal financial difficulties, including delays in employee payments.
On August 29, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) placed SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance due to ongoing financial and operational concerns. The regulator had previously subjected SpiceJet to increased scrutiny in 2023, following a special audit that revealed deficiencies in the airline’s engineering facilities.
