Recently, SpiceJet denied the claims of Delhi International Airport Ltd. about the clearance of dues. The budget carrier claimed there are no immediate issues concerning payment dues. DIAL operates Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and reportedly asked SpiceJet to clear its outstanding dues at the earliest.
DIAL’s Demand For Clearance Of Dues Of Spicejet
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SpiceJet, which has been plagued with financial turmoil, is still under a watchlist. As recently as last week, the aviation regulator DGCA had put the airline under enhanced surveillance. The move of the aviation watchdog indicates emerging concerns about SpiceJet’s operational and financial sustainability. Enhanced surveillance entails frequent spot checks and night checks to ensure that the airline is adhering to safe operations.
Sources suggest that DIAL has asked SpiceJet to pay its dues as soon as possible. But it has not been revealed just how much would be the due amount. DIAL has also not issued any statement in this regard so far.
The Airline’s Response
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But despite these reports, SpiceJet has said it pays its dues in the normal course to the airport operator. The spokesperson further said the claim regarding the two-day payment deadline is not true. The airline reiterated that the talks with DIAL are regular and routine in nature, and no immediate issues with respect to the payments are there.
This is not the first time SpiceJet has gone into financial trouble. On August 12, Mumbai International Airport Ltd. issued an advisory on disruptions in SpiceJet flights. The advisory was immediately withdrawn after the airline, in collaboration with MIAL, sorted out what they termed a “minor financial issue.” Incidents of this kind reveal the sustaining financial stress the airline is going through.
SpiceJet also has problems that run deeper than just financial issues. Currently, the airline operates with a vastly reduced fleet size. The number of aircraft operating for SpiceJet now is around 22, up from a decently much larger number in the past. SpiceJet’s situation reflects broader concerns in the Indian aviation sector. In the last few years, many airlines have grappled with financial issues due to soaring operational costs, cutthroat competition, and lingering COVID-19 hangovers, which are weighing on their businesses.
The airline has continued to assure passengers and stakeholders alike that it is managing both its financial commitments and operational requirements adeptly. However, with the sustained pressure from regulators and airport operators alike, SpiceJet’s future is being closely watched.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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