The operator of Dubai International, the Dubai Airports Company, prevented several SpiceJet (SG, Delhi International) flights from departing on July 31 because of "payment issues," according to multiple Indian news sites. Reportedly, around ten flights were cancelled on the day, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
According to ch-aviation schedules data, SpiceJet had flights scheduled to Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Jaipur, Kochi International, Kozhikode, Madurai, and Pune, and two flights scheduled to Mumbai International and Delhi International on the day.
"On July 31, 2024, a few flights from Dubai to India were cancelled due to operational reasons," reads a SpiceJet statement on the matter, adding that services to and from Dubai have since resumed normal operations. Neither SpiceJet nor Dubai Airports Company responded to ch-aviation's request for additional details.
The issue with Dubai is the latest in a line of financial embarrassments for the low-cost carrier. The airline was recently required to deny reports it failed to make provident fund contributions for its employees for over two and a half years. Seven entities, primarily aircraft frame and engine lessors, have active insolvency petitions filed against SpiceJet at the National Company Law Tribunal. Another seven entities have active claims of one type or another running against SpiceJet in the Delhi High Court. In both courts, some entities have more than one case filed.
This year, SpiceJet has embarked on a capital raising campaign, which has raised around INR10.6 billion rupees (USD126.5 million) so far. Late last month, the airline's board approved raising another INR30 billion (USD358 million). Aside from using the funds to stabilise operations and improve the balance sheet, SpiceJet has also begun settling some legal disputes and longstanding arrears with the money.
