DALLAS – Indian low-cost airlines (LCC) SpiceJet (SG) experienced a significant operational setback today, August 29, when it was forced to fly empty planes out of Dubai International Airport (DXB).

In terms of international passenger traffic, DXB is the busiest airport in the world and serves as the main airport for Dubai, United Arab Emirates. SG passengers were unable to board as the airline had not cleared its airport dues, according to a report by The Hindu. This incident marks the second disruption of its kind for SG this month.

“We are monitoring SpiceJet. They are going through a challenging time,” said a senior official of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Mumbai airport also alerted SG customers to a potential disruption to their flights on August 12, 2024.

Later on, the advice was taken down.

Riddled with Financial Woes

The airline has been grappling with financial challenges, including legal disputes with its lessors over unpaid debts, which have led to aircraft being grounded. These issues have heavily impacted SpiceJet’s operations, even affecting its performance in the first quarter of the year.

Earlier this month, some SG flights from Dubai were canceled due to similar financial issues, although the airline attributed the disruptions to "operational reasons." The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation, but both SG and Dubai Airports Co have yet to comment on the matter.

In a related incident earlier this month, Reuters reports that SG managed to settle a financial dispute with Mumbai airport, although the situation led to temporary disruptions that were initially highlighted by the airport on social media.

The low-cost airline is based in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. With a 4% market share as of June 2024, it is the sixth-largest airline in India in terms of the number of domestic passengers transported. From its bases in Delhi and Hyderabad, it connects 73 destinations, including 60 domestic and 13 foreign.