SpiceJet flights from Dubai canceled over unpaid fees

Dhaka: Several flights of Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet from Dubai have been canceled over unpaid airport fees, according to Indian media reports.

Four SpiceJet flights from Dubai to Amritsar, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Delhi were canceled on November 12. The airline reportedly owes AED 14 million, equivalent to USD 3.8 million.

Dubai Airports, which manages Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), reportedly emailed SpiceJet that it had received no payment since October 13. The operator also warned that check-in services would be suspended for failing to meet payment conditions.

ADS-B flight tracking data shows SpiceJet's flights from Dubai International to Delhi at 9:50 am and to Mumbai at 12:20 pm on November 13 were also canceled. Flights to Amritsar and Jaipur on the same day were canceled as well.

A SpiceJet spokesperson told the media that the airline was working with the relevant authorities to resolve the issue. The spokesperson added that the carrier had adequate bank guarantee cover in place and was working to settle the matter as soon as possible.

The incident comes as the carrier continues to struggle financially. In September, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it was monitoring the airline to ensure its financial troubles did not compromise safety.

SpiceJet has been grappling with cash shortages, flight disruptions, and delayed salary payments.

The airline has not published its financial results since February. It has said the overdue results would be released by December 7.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has warned that it will suspend trading in SpiceJet shares from December 10 if the financial updates remain missing.