Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu stated on Tuesday that the government and the aviation regulator, DGCA, are closely monitoring SpiceJet’s financial and operational performance as the airline faces multiple challenges.
These challenges include financial strain, a shrinking fleet, and a decline in domestic market share. Naidu emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority.
Regarding the monitoring of the airline, the Minister stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been tasked with reviewing the airline’s operations and finances to ensure there is no compromise on aviation safety. Naidu noted that the regulator is continuously monitoring SpiceJet’s performance and maintaining regular communication with the airline. The government is engaging with the airline and encouraging it to enhance its operational capacity as it strives to stabilize its business. Security arrangements for hub-and-spoke flights strengthened: Naidu
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu informed that the security protocols for flights operating under the hub-and-spoke model have undergone a comprehensive review and have been strengthened to prevent future lapses. A show-cause notice has been issued to Air India, and the concerned staff members have been suspended following a security breach at Delhi Airport on September 4.
In that incident, three Italian passengers arriving in Delhi on an Air India flight from Amritsar departed for Munich on a Lufthansa flight without completing immigration formalities.
Under this model, international passengers complete formalities such as check-in, immigration, and customs at their originating airport. Upon arrival at the designated ‘hub’ airport, they can board their onward international flight without having to undergo these procedures again. This model has been implemented at Ahmedabad, Varanasi, and Amritsar airports. According to IANS, Naidu stated that the government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation are closely monitoring SpiceJet’s financial and operational performance. The airline is facing several challenges. He emphasized that passenger safety is the top priority.
