New Delhi. The financial troubles of Indian airline SpiceJet are now affecting its flight operations at the international level as well. Dubai Airport has suspended the check-in service of the company due to non-payment of dues of about Rs 35.8 crore. After this action, which came into effect from November 12, instructions were issued to cancel four flights coming from Dubai to India. This development has once again raised questions on the financial condition and operational arrangements of the airline.
Dues of 14 million dirhams, warning given for payment
According to Dubai Airport Operator, SpiceJet was owed around 14 million dirhams i.e. around Rs 35.8 crore. According to the report, on November 9, the airport management informed the company about the outstanding amount and asked it to pay. It was told that no payment had been made by the airline since October 13.
The company was warned that if the entire amount was not deposited by November 12, its check-in services would be stopped. If payment is not made within the stipulated time, the airport management has decided to suspend the check-in facility.
Flights to Amritsar, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi affected
After the check-in service was halted, SpiceJet's Dubai station manager asked the flight operations department to cancel four flights departing from Dubai. On November 12, instructions were issued to cancel flights to Amritsar, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi.
According to the report, in the company's internal email the reason for canceling flights was said to be non-payment to the ground handling company dnata. These four flights were planned to operate as a ferry service without passengers. However, two flights, SG-5115 (Ahmedabad) and SG-5106 (Delhi), which were scheduled to depart before the check-in service was closed, were given relief. Check-in permission was granted to Dnata for these flights.
Station manager summoned for arranging passengers
Taking the matter seriously, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority summoned the station manager of SpiceJet. The authority directed that information about cancellation of flights should be sent to the passengers in time and alternative arrangements should be made for their travel.
Instructions were also given to accommodate the affected passengers in hotels and make arrangements for their transportation, so that they do not have to face unnecessary trouble due to cancellation of flights.
Operating aircraft reduced to 12, salaries of employees also outstanding
The report quoted sources as saying that the number of aircraft involved in SpiceJet's operations has reduced to around 12. Three of these aircraft are currently not in a position to fly due to payment related problems.
Apart from this, there have also been reports of employees not receiving salaries from June 2026. The shortage of aircraft and the economic crisis are affecting the airline's flight schedules, punctuality and services provided to passengers.
Loss of Rs 621 crore in the last reported quarter
The figures of SpiceJet's financial condition also point towards the difficulties of the company. According to the report, the airline had a net loss of Rs 621 crore in the quarter ending September 2025. In the same period last year, the company's loss was recorded at Rs 458 crore.
During this period, the company's income declined by 13.4 percent on an annual basis to Rs 792 crore, whereas it was Rs 915 crore in the same period last year. The company also suffered an operating loss of Rs 297 crore during the quarter. The report also said that Rs 120 crore was spent on the planes standing on the ground and about Rs 30 crore was spent on making them ready for flight again. Amidst ever increasing losses, decreasing number of aircraft and payment related problems, the action of Dubai Airport has emerged as another big challenge for SpiceJet.