SpiceJet is facing worsening operational and financial challenges, with the airline reportedly cancelling between 15 and 20 flights every day as its active fleet shrinks to just 12 aircraft. Mounting unpaid dues to aircraft lessors, oil companies, airport operators and ground-handling agencies are adding pressure on the budget carrier.
The airline operates around 65 scheduled services daily, but frequent cancellations and delays are disrupting passenger travel. In several instances, passengers have reportedly waited between three and five hours before being informed that their flights have been cancelled.
Only 12 Aircraft in the Fleet
SpiceJet’s operational capacity has reduced significantly, with only 12 aircraft reportedly remaining in its fleet. Three of these aircraft are grounded because of payment-related issues involving lessors.
The airline is also reportedly operating on a cash-and-carry basis for several essential services. This means it must make advance payments to suppliers and service providers instead of relying on regular credit arrangements.
Outstanding payments to aircraft lessors, oil marketing companies, airport operators and ground-handling agencies have reportedly affected its ability to maintain regular operations.
The situation has also raised concerns about the airline’s ability to operate its published flight schedule with such limited aircraft availability.
Employee Salaries and Financial Obligations Under Pressure
The financial strain is reportedly affecting employees as well. According to sources cited in media reports, SpiceJet employees have not received salaries since June 2026.
The airline is also facing pressure from other outstanding financial obligations, while its ability to raise fresh funds remains important for restoring operations.
The company has not provided an updated financial picture through its latest quarterly results. Its financial performance for the quarter ended September 2025 showed a net loss of Rs 621 crore, compared with Rs 458 crore in the corresponding quarter a year earlier.
Revenue declined 13.4% year-on-year to Rs 792 crore from Rs 915 crore.
SpiceJet also reported an operating loss of Rs 297 crore. Costs associated with grounded aircraft amounted to Rs 120 crore, while return-to-service expenses added another Rs 30 crore.
Passenger Cancellations and Delays Increase
The airline’s difficulties have become increasingly visible in its flight operations. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) data for September 2026 showed that more than 20% of SpiceJet’s scheduled flights were cancelled, compared with an industry average of 1.15%.
Its on-time performance at 10 major airports stood at just 16.6% during the month.
The airline carried approximately 73,000 passengers in September, compared with around 5.92 lakh in January 2026. Its domestic market share declined from 3.9% in January to 0.6% in September.
These figures highlight the scale of the airline’s operational contraction over the period.
SpiceJet Faces Challenges in Restoring Operations
SpiceJet had earlier announced plans to induct 20 aircraft through lease arrangements to rebuild its fleet and expand its network. However, the latest operational difficulties indicate that restoring capacity and maintaining reliable schedules remain major challenges.
The airline’s ability to clear outstanding payments, bring grounded aircraft back into service and improve passenger experience will be important for its recovery.
Summary
SpiceJet is reportedly cancelling 15 to 20 flights daily as its fleet shrinks to 12 aircraft amid mounting dues to lessors and service providers. Employee salary delays and financial losses have added to its challenges. DGCA data for September showed a cancellation rate above 20%, on-time performance of 16.6% and domestic market share of just 0.6%.