Unpaid salaries, grounded planes: SpiceJet faces new operational challenges

SpiceJet, once the third largest airline in India, is now facing many operational problems. Recently, about 40 pilots operating its Q400 jets reportedly refused to fly until outstanding salaries were paid, adding to the financial and operational pressures facing the budget airline. The unpaid pilots have received support from the Airline Pilots Association of India (ALPA India), which has offered help in finding a solution to their salary arrears, PTI reported.

Unpaid pilot salaries

Citing Sources, PTI reported on Monday that the pilots have decided not to operate flights until their outstanding salaries are cleared. However, SpiceJet did not comment on the development.

In a letter dated October 9, ALPA India expressed solidarity with the pilots and extended support along with logistical, technical and consultancy assistance. The pilots’ body said in a statement that they have taken a stand to protect their legitimate rights, professional dignity and aviation safety standards.

Read also | Delhi Weather Today: IGI, SpiceJet issue travel advisory amid heavy downpour

“These pilots are said to have been operating under considerable stress and uncertainty resulting from ongoing financial and operational problems,” ALPAIndia said in a letter quoted by the news agency. It also cited reports of unpaid vendors refusing to provide basic aircraft-related services, along with salary delays and extraordinary employee benefits, in what it described as an increasingly difficult work environment.

Only 10 of SpiceJet’s operational fleet

SpiceJet is also reportedly facing financial constraints and difficulties in maintaining its operations. The airline had 10 aircraft in operation, including two Q400s, while 37 aircraft remained parked, according to data available on the plane-tracking website Planespotters.net.

The limited number of operational aircraft adds to the challenges carriers face as they try to maintain their services under financial pressure. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also keeping a close eye on the airline’s position, according to reports.

SpiceJet moved from the third to the fourth largest airline in India as Akasa Air overtook the company in terms of domestic market share. According to DGCA data, SpiceJet’s domestic aviation market share fell to 1.2% in August 2026 compared to Akasa Air’s 5.5%.

SpiceJet’s financial position also remained under pressure. SpiceJet posted a consolidated net loss of Rs ₹261.38 crore in Q2 2025 compared to a net profit of Rs ₹20.43 crore in the same period of the previous year. However, the loss has narrowed ₹621.29 crore in the September 2025 quarter.

Read also | Akasa Air Considers Order of 200+ Boeing 737 MAX to Expand Fleet: Report

Government assistance amid financial stress

The center was also monitoring the situation of SpiceJet. In September, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu told PTI that the DGCA was conducting an operational and financial audit of the airline to prevent inconvenience to passengers and ensure continuity of operations.

The government has extended the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) to airlines facing financial difficulties amid the crisis in West Asia. SpiceJet received ₹150 crore under the scheme.

The emergency credit support was intended to help airlines manage payment obligations amid conflict in West Asia and rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices.

Meanwhile, SpiceJet shares fell 1.49%. ₹8.62 on Tuesday at 11.58 compared to the previous close ₹8.75.