NEW DELHI: In another setback for cash-starved SpiceJet, the country’s civil aviation regulator DGCA on Thursday placed the budget carrier under 'enhanced surveillance' with immediate effect. This will mean that SpiceJet will now experience increased spot checks and night surveillance to ensure the safety of the airline's operations.
"In light of the past record and the special audit carried out in August 2024, SpiceJet has once again been placed under enhanced surveillance with immediate effect. "This would entail an increase in the number of spot checks/ night surveillance with a view to ensure the safety of operations," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement.
DGCA also stated that based on reports of cancellation of flights and financial stress being experienced by SpiceJet, a special audit of its engineering facilities was conducted on 7th and 8th August 2024 which has revealed “certain deficiencies”. Sources also informed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is also keeping a close watch on the prevailing situation at the airline.
The fresh action by DGCA comes as SpiceJet passengers on Thursday were stopped from boarding at the Dubai airport over unpaid dues owed to the airport. This was the second time this month that SpiceJet flights from Dubai faced a similar issue, leaving a large number of passengers stranded.
When contacted, the airline said that operations are now back to normal. “Due to operational reasons, a few SpiceJet flights from Dubai were cancelled. Affected passengers have been accommodated on subsequent SpiceJet flights, on other airlines, or provided with a full refund. All our scheduled flights from Dubai are now operating as planned,” the airline's spokesperson said.
SpiceJet has been facing multiple financial headwinds, including its inability to pay salaries to employees. The employees have also spoken about the airline not making Provident Fund deposits.
Adani Group-owned Mumbai International Airport recently issued an advisory stating a temporary disruption in SpiceJet's operations. However, the airport withdrew the notice after the issue was resolved by the airline.
Besides the airline is facing various legal disputes in courts regarding non-payment to lessors. Then the current management is also involved in a lengthy legal battle with KAL Airways and former promoter Kalanithi Maran.