SpiceJet (File Image)
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KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The DGCA decided to place SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance.
- In 2022, a special drive of spot checks was undertaken after a series of occurrences reported on the SpiceJet fleet.
- In 2023 also the airline was placed under enhanced surveillance after reports of the airline being under financial stress.
New Delhi: The Directorate General Of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday decided to place SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance. The decision was taken amid reports of financial crunch and the cancellation of flights by SpiceJet.
“Based on reports of cancellation of flights and financial stress being experienced by Spicejet Airlines, a special audit of SpiceJet engineering facilities was conducted on 7th and 8th August 2024 which has revealed certain deficiencies,” the DGCA said in a statement.
In 2022, a special drive of spot checks was undertaken after a series of occurrences reported on the SpiceJet fleet. During this drive, the airlines were permitted to release aircraft for operations only after confirming to the DGCA that all reported defects or malfunctions had been rectified.
Meanwhile, in 2023 also the airline was placed under enhanced surveillance after reports of the airline being under financial stress, the DGCA revealed.
“In light of the past record and the special audit carried out in August 2024, Spicejet has once again been placed under enhanced surveillance with immediate effect. This would entail increase in number of spot checks/ night surveillance with a view to ensure safety of operations,” the civil aviation body added.
Earlier in the day, the aviation regulator also took action against Air India Express and SpiceJet. The DGCA imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on Air India Express for non-payment of compensation to passengers for cancelled flights. The DGCA carried out an inspection as per Annual Surveillance Programme (ASP) 2024 of scheduled domestic operators in June. This was in respect of norms pertaining to facilities and compensation that are to be provided to passengers.
