DGCA scrutinises SpiceJet as delays, salary issues and market-share losses deepen

India’s aviation regulator is reviewing SpiceJet’s operations and finances amid flight delays and unpaid-salary concerns. The airline has received ₹150 crore in ECLGS support and plans to induct 20 leased aircraft for the winter schedule.

— Source publishedWed, 23 Sept, 2026, 13:22 IST·First seen Wed, 23 Sept, 2026, 13:25 IST·Source Mint · Companies

What happened

DGCA is scrutinising SpiceJet’s operations and finances amid flight delays and unpaid salaries. The airline received ₹150 crore in government-backed credit

Key facts

  • ₹150 crore ECLGS infusion
  • 1.6% domestic market share in July
  • 20 aircraft planned for induction
  • 15 Boeing aircraft
  • 5 Airbus aircraft

What changed

DGCA is scrutinising SpiceJet’s operations and finances amid flight delays and unpaid salaries. The airline received ₹150 crore in government-backed credit support, lost domestic market share, and plans to add 20 leased aircraft for the winter schedule.

Why this matters

SpiceJet must stabilise on-time performance, payroll execution and fleet availability quickly, as DGCA scrutiny and a 1.6% domestic market share threaten passenger confidence ahead of winter expansion.

What to watch

  • DGCA audit findings, show-cause notices, operating restrictions or required corrective-action timelines.
  • On-time performance, cancellation rates and passenger-complaint/refund trends during the winter schedule.
  • Evidence that salary arrears, vendor dues and lessor payments are being normalized.
  • Actual number of leased aircraft inducted, aircraft utilization rates and route-network additions or cuts.
  • Monthly domestic market-share data, especially whether share remains below 2% or recovers after winter capacity deployment.

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