SpiceJet Cancels Four Flights from Dubai Amid Ground Handling Dispute
SpiceJet has canceled four flights from Dubai due to a ground handling service suspension over unpaid dues.
New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Indian budget airline SpiceJet has canceled four flights from Dubai International Airport due to a suspension of check-in services by ground handling company Dnata over unpaid dues. Reports indicate that only two of SpiceJet’s flights were allowed to depart from the airport on Thursday.
Dnata is reportedly owed over 14 million UAE dirhams by the airline. However, the suspension of check-in services was limited to November 12.
In response to the operational challenges faced by SpiceJet, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi issued a notice on Friday alerting passengers about potential disruptions to the airline’s flights. The airport, managed by GMR, advised travelers to check the status of their flights directly with SpiceJet before planning their journeys.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) did not clarify how many flights might be affected or the extent of the potential disruptions. Earlier reports indicated that despite operating around 65 scheduled flights daily, SpiceJet has been canceling 15 to 20 flights each day.
The airline’s operations have also been impacted by its inability to settle dues with aircraft lessors, oil marketing companies, airport operators, and ground handling agencies. Currently, SpiceJet is reportedly operating primarily on a cash-and-carry basis, requiring upfront payments for essential services. The airline’s fleet has dwindled to about 12 aircraft, with three grounded due to payment issues with lessors.
The financial strain has also affected employees, who have reportedly not received salaries since June 2026.
SpiceJet’s financial performance remains under pressure, with the airline recording a net loss of ₹621 crore for the quarter ending September 2025, compared to a loss of ₹458 crore in the same period the previous year. Revenue has decreased by 13.4% year-on-year to ₹792 crore. Additionally, the airline reported an operational loss of ₹297 crore for the quarter, with its EBITDA loss (excluding foreign exchange impacts) rising to ₹203.8 crore, up from ₹58.87 crore a year earlier.
