Seems like there is no end of troubles for the cash-strapped SpiceJet as the airline struggles to stay afloat amidst raising funds and repaying debts to engine lessors.
To add to the airlines troubles, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has placed the airline under ‘enhanced surveillance’ with immediate effect.
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The regulator has taken this step to ensure the safety of airline’s scheduled flight operations. What exactly is ‘enhanced surveillance?’ as the name suggests, DGCA will keep an extra-eye on the carrier with increased spot checks and night surveillance.
What compelled DGCA to take this step?
DGCA had conducted a special audit of SpiceJet engineering on August 7 and 8, 2024. This audit brought to light various deficiencies and anomalies in the maintenance operations of the carrier.
The special audit was based on the reports of flight cancellations and financial crisis of the cash strapped airline.
Why did the regulator act 15-days post the special audit?
The morning of August 29, 2024 took an unexpected turn for SpiceJet flights enroute to Dubai. The management at Dubai International Airport (DBX) stopped the passengers from boarding SpiceJet’s flights.
As a result, empty SpiceJet planes returned to India. This strict action by DBX was due to airline’s failure to clear the airport dues.
This was second instance this month, when SpiceJet faced problem at Dubai airport. This acted as a trigger for the DGCA to place the airline under enhanced surveillance.
According to sources, it is learnt that SpiceJet has not been able to pay the salaries of certain cabin crew staff since June 2024 and that the airline is planning to keep certain staff on furlough.
This has sent ripples of shiver across the aviation industry in India that has seen the recent grounding of Go First and Jet Airways as the employees were left to fend for themselves.
Keeping fingers crossed, let’s hope SpiceJet recovers quickly from its financial debts and rises to its former glory days of being one of the best low-cost carriers in India.
Published: 30 Aug 2024, 09:16 am IST
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