DGCA curtails SpiceJet's flights to 50% for eight weeks

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday ordered SpiceJet to operate maximum 50 percent of its flights for eight weeks following multiple snags.

"In view of findings of various spot checks, inspections & reply to show cause notice submitted by SpiceJet number of departures of SpiceJet is restricted to 50% of the number of departures approved under Summer Schedule 2022 for 8 weeks from the date of issue of this order," stated DGCA in a press release.



The DGCA had recently asked SpiceJet to use certain identified aircraft (10) for operations only after confirming to the regulator that all reported defects/malfunctions are rectified.

SpiceJet planes were involved in at least eight technical malfunction incidents in the 18-day period starting June 19, following which the DGCA had on July 6 issued a show-cause notice to the airline, stating that "poor internal safety oversight" and "inadequate maintenance actions" have resulted in degradation of safety margins.