Will SpiceJet’s Crew Furlough Disrupt Flights? Here’s What Passengers Should Expect

Spicejet is yet again facing massive turbulence as the company was put under enhanced surveillance by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) earlier this week. The aviation regulator placed SpiceJet under increased surveillance following a special audit that noticed specific deficiencies within the airline.

Meanwhile, the company has also opted to furlough 150 cabin crew members for nearly three months.

“In light of the past record and the special audit carried out in August 2024, SpiceJet has once again been placed under enhanced surveillance with immediate effect. This would entail increase in number of spot checks/ night surveillance with a view to ensure safety of operations,” the DGCA said.

This isn't the first time the troubled carrier has come under increased scrutiny. From reducing its total number of flights to facing compliance issues with safety protocols, the airline has consistently been under the radar.

Just a year ago, SpiceJet faced similar surveillance following a series of technical glitches that raised concerns about its operational safety.

However, as the demand for air travel continues to remain steady, there is a chance that the recent development might cause this stress to shift to air passengers.

How will the recent SpiceJet case impact air passengers?

As per the airlines, the recent furlough was announced "in response to the current lean travel season and the reduced fleet size." However, DGCA's enhanced surveillance might put additional pressure on SpiceJet.

While there might not be any direct operational issues, passengers should keep a check on their flight status. As the festive season is soon coming into close sight, air passengers booking tickets with the airline should cross-check the schedule of their flights.

The Indian aviation space, although on a positive trajectory, continues to face larger turbulence. Be it Jet Airways or Indigo, many domestic aviation companies are facing similar issues. Earlier this year, Indigo's aircraft groundings surged by over 70 from the previous 40, as per multiple media reports. It remains to be seen whether India’s aviation sector will be able to pull itself out of the murky waters.