DGCA curtails SpiceJet’s flights to 50 pc

Spicejet on Wednesday stated that restriction by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to operate just 50% of flights for eight weeks will have absolutely no impact on flight operations as other airlines have previously rescheduled their flights.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday limited airline to run just 50% of flights for eight weeks after reviewing Spicejet’s response to the show cause notice. Joint Director General of Civil Aviation wrote to Spicejet stating that after reviewing the reported incidents on Spicejet-operated aircraft from April 1 to July 5, 2022, it was found that numerous times the aircraft either turned back to its originating station or continued landing at destination with reduced safety margins.

The safety margins have eroded as a result of insufficient maintenance efforts and poor internal safety management.

SpiceJet responded to DGCA limitation by saying, “We have received DGCA ruling and will follow regulator’s instructions. SpiceJet, like other airlines, has previously postponed its flight operations due to present slow travel season. There will thus be no effect at all on our flying operations.”

Furthermore airline stated, “In the upcoming days and weeks, we want to reassure all of our customers that their flights will run on time. No flights will be cancelled as a result of this directive. DGCA’s remark that SpiceJet is taking steps to stop the pattern of mishaps is very positive, and we’ll keep moving forward while closely following their instructions.”

According to a financial evaluation conducted by DGCA in September 2021, Spicejet operates on a cash-and-carry basis and its permitted vendors aren’t regularly paid, which causes a scarcity of spare parts and frequent use of Minimum Equipment Lists (MELS).