SpiceJet Faces Enhanced Surveillance by DGCA
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reportedly placed SpiceJet, the budget airline, under “enhanced surveillance” due to its recent financial difficulties, according to a senior official. However, SpiceJet has strongly refuted these claims, stating that they have not received any communication from the DGCA regarding enhanced surveillance.
Financial Challenges Mount; Airline Denies Allegations
This move by the aviation watchdog comes at a time when several aircraft lessors have sought repossession of their leased planes from SpiceJet. While the airline has managed to settle some of these cases, the DGCA’s enhanced surveillance has been ongoing for over three weeks, including increased night surveillance and spot checks.
The primary objective of this heightened scrutiny is to ensure that SpiceJet’s financial challenges do not compromise the safety and efficiency of its flight operations. The DGCA aims to prevent any compromise on safety standards and ensure that all safety obligations are being met.
In response to the DGCA’s claims, a spokesperson from SpiceJet vehemently denied the allegations, declaring the information as “absolutely incorrect.” The airline affirms that it has not received any official communication from the DGCA regarding enhanced surveillance.
Despite facing various challenges, SpiceJet has successfully resolved issues with certain aircraft lessors. Recently, on June 21, the airline announced that it had reached a settlement agreement with Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), a lessor responsible for its Q400 planes.