DGCA Extends Restrictions On SpiceJet, Airline to Operate Up to 50% Capacity Till Oct 29

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According to a new order issued on Wednesday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the 50% restriction on SpiceJet flights’ summer schedule by another month. The airline will now continue to operate at the restricted capacity from September 21 to October 29.

Domestic airlines’ summer schedule is in effect from March 27 to October 29. SpiceJet was permitted to operate 4,192 flights per week during the time period in accordance with the schedule.

Notably, the aviation regulator of India imposed the restriction on SpiceJet flights on July 27 for an eight-week period after the airline reported frequent air safety incidents.

As a result, SpiceJet is currently only permitted to operate 2,096 flight departures per week at a maximum of 50% capacity.

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DGCA Extends Restrictions On SpiceJet

“The review has indicated that there is appreciable reduction in the number of safety incidents. However, as a matter of abundant caution the competent authority has decided that the restriction as imposed in the order dated 27.07.2022 shall continue to be in force till the end of the summer schedule i.e 29.10.2022, in accordance with the powers conferred under rule 19A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.”

DGCA Extends Restrictions On SpiceJet

The DGCA also stated that any increase in the number of departures beyond 50% of the total number of departures approved under the Summer Schedule 2022 during this period will be subject to the airline demonstrating to the DGCA that it has sufficient technical support and financial resources to carry out such increased capacity safely and efficiently.

SpiceJet Sends 80 pilots On Unpaid Leave For 3 Months

In other news, SpiceJet placed approximately 80 of its pilots on unpaid leave for three months on September 20th in order to cut costs. In response to a media query, the airline stated that it has decided to place certain pilots on unpaid leave for three months as a cost-cutting measure.

According to the airline’s spokesperson, this measure will assist the airline in rationalizing pilot strength based on the aircraft fleet.

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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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