DGCA issues showcause notice to SpiceJet over frequent snags

On Tuesday alone, at least three incidents involving SpiceJet aircraft were reported.  First, a Boeing 737 Max aircraft flying Delhi-Dubai sector made an unplanned landing in Karachi, Pakistan, because of a malfunctioning indicator light in the cockpit. Second, a Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 plane from Kandla to Mumbai made a priority landing in Mumbai after the outer pane of one of its windshields cracked. Third, a Boeing 737 freighter aircraft that took off from Kolkata turned back due to an unserviceable weather radar.

#WATCH | SpiceJet flight to Jabalpur returns to Delhi after crew notices smoke in cabinhttps://t.co/CLcN56AWiq pic.twitter.com/msdSaLFEoZ

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) July 2, 2022

In the showcause notice, the DGCA has also flagged the airline’s financial condition that has led to shortage of spare parts. “…financial assessment carried out by DGCA in September 2021 has also revealed that airline is operating on Cash & Carry and Suppliers/Approved Vendors are not being paid on regular basis leading to shortage of spares…,” the regulator wrote in its notice. The Indian Express has reviewed a copy of the notice.

For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2021, SpiceJet reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 1,259.21 crore, compared to Rs 1,028.19 crore of net loss for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021. The company is yet to declare its results for quarter-ended March 31, 2022.

“From the above it may be deduced that M/s SpiceJet Ltd has failed to establish a safe, efficient and reliable air services under terms of Rule 134 and Schedule XI of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. Now, therefore, the Accountable Manager of M/s SpiceJet Ltd, is hereby called upon to show cause within three weeks of receipt of this notice as to why action should not be taken against the airline,” the DGCA wrote.

The Indian Express reported Wednesday that senior SpiceJet executives, including its promoter Ajay Singh, met DGCA chief Arun Kumar. According to sources, the SpiceJet team was told not to compromise on air safety. “SpiceJet was told that they may choose to cut their costs on any avenue, but they should not compromise on any aspect involving air safety,” said a source.

For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2021, SpiceJet reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 1,259.21 crore, compared to Rs 1,028.19 crore of net loss for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021. The company is yet to declare its results for quarter-ended March 31, 2022.