New Delhi, July 27 (FN Agency) Aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday restricted SpiceJet flights to 50 per cent of the summer schedule for eight weeks, starting from July 27.The decision has been taken following a series of incidents involving the airline’s aircraft raising safety concerns.During eight weeks, SpiceJet will be subjected to “enhanced surveillance” by DGCA.
In its order, the DGCA said that SpiceJet had failed to establish a safe, efficient and reliable air transport service.”In view of the findings of various spot checks, inspections and the reply to showcause notice submitted by M/s SpiceJet, for continued sustenance of safe and reliable air transport service, the number of departures of M/s SpiceJet are hereby restricted to 50 per cent of the number of departures approved under the Summer Schedule 2022 for a period of eight weeks from the date of issue of this order, in accordance with powers conferred under Rule 19A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937,” the DGCA said in its July 27 order. The regulator further said that any increase in the number of departures beyond 50 per cent of the number of departures approved under Summer Schedule 2022 during this period shall be subject to the airline, demonstrating to the satisfaction of DGCA that it has sufficient technical support and financial resources to safely and efficiently undertake such enhanced capacity.”
During these eight weeks period, the airline shall be subjected to “Enhanced Surveillance” by DGCA,” it added.Following the DGCA order, SpiceJet however, said the directive will have no impact on its flight operations.”We are in receipt of the DGCA order and will act as per directions of the regulator. Due to the current lean travel season, SpiceJet like other airlines, had already rescheduled its flight operations. Hence, there will be absolutely no impact on our flight operations,” an airline spokesperson said.The budget carrier assured passengers and travel partners that its flights will operate as per schedule in the coming days and weeks.”There will be no flight cancellation as a consequence of this order,” it stressed.