The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday (August 29) announced that SpiceJet would be placed under enhanced surveillance, a measure aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of the airline’s operations. This decision follows recent reports of flight cancellations and ongoing financial difficulties faced by the no-frills carrier.
Audit Reveals Deficiencies in Engineering Facilities
The DGCA’s move comes after a special audit conducted on August 7 and 8 revealed certain deficiencies in SpiceJet’s engineering facilities. The audit was prompted by concerns over the airline’s operational stability and past records of flight disruptions. In response to these issues, the DGCA has mandated an increase in spot checks and night surveillance to monitor the airline more closely.
The regulator’s previous intervention in 2023 had also involved enhanced scrutiny of SpiceJet. During that period, the airline faced a special drive of spot checks following reported malfunctions in its fleet. SpiceJet was allowed to resume operations only after confirming to the DGCA that all defects had been addressed.
Earlier on Thursday, SpiceJet announced that its flights from Dubai were now operating normally after experiencing cancellations due to operational reasons. The airline had faced challenges related to non-payment of dues to Dubai airport, contributing to its operational strain.
SpiceJet, which has been navigating a range of financial and legal issues, is also in the process of securing additional funds to stabilize its operations. Despite these efforts, the increased oversight by the DGCA underscores the ongoing concerns about the airline’s operational reliability and safety standards.
The DGCA’s enhanced surveillance will include more frequent inspections and a focus on ensuring that all operational and safety protocols are strictly adhered to, reflecting the seriousness with which the aviation watchdog is addressing the airline’s current challenges.