Multiple Snags Later, DGCA Restricts SpiceJet Flights To 50% Capacity

New Delhi: Aviation regulator DGCA has ordered SpiceJet to operate a maximum of 50 per cent of its flights, which were approved for the summer schedule, for a period of eight weeks.

On July 6, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a show-cause notice to SpiceJet following at least eight incidents of technical malfunction in its aircraft since June 19, India Today reported.

“In view of the findings of various spot checks, inspections and the reply to the show cause notice submitted by SpiceJet, for continued sustenance of safe and reliable transport service, the number of departures of SpiceJet are hereby restricted to 50 per cent of the number of departures approved under summer schedule 2022 for a period of eight weeks,” the aviation regulator’s order on Wednesday said.

During these eight weeks, the airline will be subject to “Enhanced Surveillance”, DGCA said.

The aviation regulator said any increase in number of departures beyond 50 per cent, the airline will have to demonstrate to the satisfaction of DGCA that it has sufficient technical support and financial resource to safely and efficiently undertake such enhanced capacity.