SpiceJet faces operational setbacks as Dubai Airport blocks check-ins

Dubai airport on Thursday, August 29, prohibited passengers from checking in for their SpiceJet flights due to the airline's outstanding dues. This disruption has reportedly led to several flights departing Dubai empty, according to media reports.

The situation is not isolated, with passengers flying from Dubai with SpiceJet encountering similar issues throughout the past week. The ongoing operational challenges have drawn the attention of India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, with a senior official confirming that the ministry is closely monitoring the airline's current difficulties.

The latest issue follows an advisory issued by Mumbai airport on August 12, 2024, warning SpiceJet passengers of potential disruptions. Although the advisory was later withdrawn, concerns about the airline's stability have persisted.

Additionally, the airline's employees have voiced their frustration over delayed salaries, with payments pending for two months, affecting pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff. In Guwahati, loaders, cleaners, and drivers working for SpiceJet staged a protest at the airport due to the non-payment of wages.

Amid these financial struggles, SpiceJet recently informed the Delhi High Court that it plans to clear all outstanding dues by September 30, 2024. The airline has committed to making an additional payment of $1.6 million, along with monthly instalments of $1 million, in an effort to settle its obligations to French companies Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS. 

This announcement came as the court reviewed SpiceJet’s appeal against an earlier order that grounded three leased engines from these firms.