SpiceJet's flights are reduced by 50% by the DGCA for eight weeks

28 Jul 2022 , 08:23 AM

Following many setbacks, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday ordered SpiceJet to run no more than 50% of its flights for eight weeks.

According to a press release from the DGCA, “SpiceJet’s number of departures 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 in light of findings of various spot checks, inspections, and reply to show cause notice submitted by SpiceJet.”

The DGCA recently requested SpiceJet use specifically designated aircraft (10) only after receiving assurances from the regulator that all reported flaws or malfunctions have been fixed.

At least eight technical malfunction occurrences involving SpiceJet aircraft happened over the course of an 18-day period beginning on June 19; as a result, the DGCA issued a show-cause notice to the airline on July 6 and blamed “poor internal safety oversight” and “inadequate maintenance actions” for the deterioration of safety margins.