CAAB restricts SpiceJet flights in Bangladesh airspace over unpaid dues

Dhaka: The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has restricted Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet from overflying Bangladesh airspace since Thursday, February 19. Multiple media outlets, citing sources close to the matter, reported the move came due to unpaid charges owed by the airline.

A spokesperson for SpiceJet said the airline is in active discussions with CAAB regarding operational and procedural matters, including charges for using the airspace.

“These are routine industry issues, and we are working constructively towards an early resolution. Our flight operations remain unaffected, and we continue to operate our scheduled services in line with regulatory requirements,” the spokesperson said.

Even though the sources confirmed the ban was placed because SpiceJet did not clear the dues, they could not share the exact details. Thus, the exact nature of these dues is not clear at the moment. CAAB did not respond immediately to requests for comment on the matter.

ADS-B flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows SpiceJet flights from Kolkata to Guwahati and Imphal are currently avoiding Bangladesh airspace and taking alternative longer routes instead, increasing overall flight time and fuel burn.