SpiceJet faces flight cancellations due to financial crisis and unpaid airport dues

Airport authorities have curtailed SpiceJet's operations after the airline failed to settle mandatory charges, forcing widespread cancellations across India. Why are SpiceJet flights being cancelled across India? Financial crisis, airport dues and crew shortages explained.

By SafarSamachar Desk14 Nov 2026, 1:41 am IST

Illustration

Illustration: SafarSamachar Pix Desk, created with AI assistance. Not a photograph of the event.

Key facts at a glance

1Airport authorities have restricted SpiceJet's operations over unpaid dues
2SpiceJet is facing a financial crisis
3Check-in services have been suspended at some airports
4Eight Delhi flights were cancelled
5Crew shortages have also contributed to the cancellations

SpiceJet is cutting flights nationwide because of a cash crunch and unpaid airport fees. The airline could not pay the required charges for using airport facilities, prompting airport authorities to limit its activities.

The move halted check-in services at several airports and cancelled eight Delhi departures, underscoring the carrier's liquidity woes and questions over operational viability. Crew shortages have also contributed to the cancellations, as noted in reports.

SpiceJet is operating only about half of its scheduled flights due to a severe fleet crunch. The airline has not paid employee salaries since June 2026, leading to high attrition. Airport operators, oil companies and ground-handling agencies have also not been paid, further straining operations.

In Dubai, SpiceJet faced flight cancellations over unpaid airport fees of AED 14 million, with check-in services suspended at Dubai Airports. Flights from Dubai to Delhi and Mumbai on November 13, 2026, were cancelled.

SpiceJet's fleet has shrunk to only 12 aircraft, with three grounded due to non-payment. The airline's financial results for FY26 and the first two quarters of FY27 have not been disclosed.

What this means for Indian travellers

If you have a SpiceJet flight booked, check for cancellations through the airline's app or website. Consider alternative travel arrangements as the situation remains uncertain. The airline is struggling with unpaid airport dues, financial instability, and crew shortages, which may lead to more disruptions in the near future.

More details

Where can affected travellers contact SpiceJet’s customer support for assistance and claim processing?

Affected travellers can call SpiceJet’s reservations line at +91 (0)124 4983410 or +91 (0)124 7101600 for support and claim processing.

Source: corporate.spicejet.com

Sources

This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above, following our accuracy rules; it has not yet been individually reviewed by an editor. Read our editorial policy.Rules and schedules change - confirm with the airline or embassy before you travel. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Source Verification

For official notices, schedules, or policy compliance frameworks, verify details directly via SpiceJet.