Airlines News: SpiceJet Flights Hit by Airport Curbs Over Unpaid Charges
Airlines News
Cash-strapped budget carrier SpiceJet is facing fresh operational disruptions across India after airport authorities restricted several of its flights over unpaid mandatory airport fees. As angry flyers took to social media to complain about long delays and sudden cancellations, industry sources revealed that the airline’s ongoing cash crunch is directly preventing it from operating flights on schedule.
Unlike standard airlines that settle their airport usage fees on a monthly or quarterly billing cycle, SpiceJet has been placed on a strict cash-and-carry arrangement by the Civil Aviation Ministry.
According to a senior Airports Authority of India (AAI) official, airport charges cover essential ground and operational services used by an aircraft at every stop. Whenever SpiceJet fails to clear its daily dues on time, airport operators withhold clearance for its planes, triggering immediate flight delays and last-minute cancellations for passengers.
The ongoing flight disruptions have severely affected connectivity to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. On Tuesday, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) wrote a formal letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu seeking urgent intervention.
- Route Impact: Frequent cancellations of SpiceJet flights operating to Sri Vijayapuram Airport (formerly known as Port Blair) have stranded travelers and disrupted holiday itineraries.
- Economic Concerns: Tourism operators warned the ministry that unreliable air connectivity is hurting local businesses and discouraging tourists from visiting the islands during a key travel season.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
