SpiceJet Passengers Barred From Dubai Flight Over Unpaid Airport Dues, Airline Cites 'Operational Reasons'

SpiceJet Ltd.'s passengers were barred from boarding their flight at Dubai airport on Thursday after the Indian budget carrier failed to settle its outstanding dues with the airport, sources told NDTV Profit. The budget carrier attributed the cancellations to "operational reasons."

This is the second such incident this month. On Aug. 12, Mumbai International Airport issued an advisory warning SpiceJet passengers of potential flight disruptions, without specifying the reason. The advisory was withdrawn after SpiceJet resolved a minor financial issue with the airport.

In addition to delayed airport payments, SpiceJet has also been late in paying staff salaries, sources said.

SpiceJet stated that cancellations were due to "operational reasons". "Affected passengers have been accommodated on subsequent SpiceJet flights, on other airlines or provided with a full refund. All our scheduled flights from Dubai are now operating as planned," A spokesperson told NDTV Profit, without providing further details on the operational issues.

SpiceJet has been facing heat from its creditors, with multiple court cases resulting in added trouble for the airline.