The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Thursday that it will place SpiceJet under "enhanced surveillance", which will involve increased spot checks and night monitoring to ensure the safety of the airline's operations. This decision comes in response to reports of flight cancellations and financial difficulties faced by the airline. The DGCA conducted a special audit of SpiceJet's engineering facilities on August 7 and 8, during which certain deficiencies were identified.
"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 an increase in the number of spot checks/ night surveillance with a view to ensure the safety of operations," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in a release.
Past incidents of spot checks
It should be noted here that in 2022, following several incidents involving the SpiceJet fleet, a special campaign of spot checks was conducted. During this campaign, SpiceJet was only allowed to operate its aircraft after the DGCA confirmed that all reported faults and deficiencies had been addressed. In 2023, based on reports of financial stress within the airline, it was once again placed under enhanced surveillance. In light of past records and a special audit conducted in August 2024, SpiceJet has now been placed under increased monitoring with immediate effect.
SpiceJet to furlough 150 cabin crew members
Facing financial headwinds, SpiceJet has also decided to furlough 150 cabin crew members for three months. The budget carrier is operating with a reduced number of planes amid financial, legal and lessor woes. Currently, it has an operational fleet of around 22 aircraft. A total of 150 cabin crew members will be sent on leave without pay for three months, an airline spokesperson said on Thursday. Earlier in the day, aviation regulator DGCA said the airline has been placed under enhanced surveillance. "SpiceJet has made the difficult decision to temporarily place 150 cabin crew members on furlough for three months. "This step has been taken in response to the current lean travel season and the reduced fleet size, with the long-term stability of the organisation in mind," the spokesperson said in a statement.
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