Dubai Airport bars SpiceJet passengers from checking in over Airline dues; flights run empty

According to multiple industry sources, passengers of SpiceJet at Dubai airport on Thursday, August 29, 2024, were barred from checking in due to the airline’s inability to settle airport dues. As a result, SpiceJet operated flights from Dubai with no passengers. Reports indicate that similar issues have been affecting the airline’s passengers departing from Dubai for the past week.

SpiceJet has not yet provided a comment on the situation. A senior official from the Ministry of Civil Aviation mentioned, “We are monitoring SpiceJet. They are going through a challenging time.”

Earlier, on August 12, 2024, Mumbai airport issued a notice warning SpiceJet passengers about potential flight disruptions, though this advisory was later rescinded.

The airline is also facing internal issues, including employee dissatisfaction due to delayed salaries, which have not been paid for two months. This includes pilots and cabin crew. In Guwahati, SpiceJet’s ground staff—such as loaders, cleaners, and drivers—protested outside the airport over unpaid wages.

Additionally, there are concerns about SpiceJet’s failure to contribute its share to the provident fund with the Employee’s Provident Fund Organisation and to remit tax deducted at source to the Income Tax department.

Over the past year, several engine and plane lessors have sought legal action against SpiceJet, pushing for the airline’s liquidation due to its failure to settle outstanding dues.