Dubai Airports Suspends SpiceJet Check-Ins Over ₹35.8 Crore in Unpaid Dues, Four Flights Cancelled

Dubai Airports suspended SpiceJet check-in services at Dubai International Airport on November 12 over 14 million dirhams (about ₹35.8 crore) in unpaid dues, and four flights to India were cancelled. Business Today reported that the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority summoned the carrier's station manager over its failure to notify affected passengers.

How the Dubai Airports Suspension Unfolded

Dubai Airports warned SpiceJet on November 9 that its arrears had climbed to 14 million dirhams, with no payments made since October 13, and that check-in counters would shut if the balance was not cleared in full. The suspension took effect after the airline missed a final payment deadline.

Only two flights, SG-5115 to Ahmedabad and SG-5106 to Delhi, escaped the shutdown because they were scheduled to depart before the enforcement window, with ground-handling agency Dnata permitted to process passengers. Once the suspension began, SpiceJet's Dubai station manager instructed flight operations to cancel all remaining departures.

Four flights bound for Amritsar, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi, planned as ferry services without passengers, were grounded. According to an internal email accessed by Informist, non-payment to Dnata triggered the cancellations. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority questioned the airline's handling of passenger communication and ordered it to formally notify travellers, arrange alternative flights, and provide hotel accommodation and transport for stranded flyers.

SpiceJet's payment difficulties extend beyond Dubai. New Indian Express reported on November 12 that the airline's frequent cancellations stem from its inability to pay mandatory airport charges, which have barred it from operating, and that it runs on a cash-and-carry model while others pay monthly or quarterly.

SpiceJet's Shrinking Fleet and Unpaid Staff

SpiceJet is operating roughly 65 scheduled flights a day while cancelling 15 to 20 daily, with several other services delayed by three to five hours. Its operational fleet has dropped to about 12 aircraft, three of which are grounded over payment disputes, while employees have reportedly gone without salaries since June 2026.

Outstanding dues to aircraft lessors, fuel suppliers, airport operators and ground handlers have forced the airline onto advance-payment terms for essential services. SpiceJet has not released quarterly results since February, when it reported its December-quarter figures. In the quarter ended September 2025, the airline posted a net loss of ₹621 crore, widening from ₹458 crore a year earlier, as revenue dropped 13.4% year-on-year to ₹792 crore.

Dubai Airports' Recent Partner Events

Dubai Airports held its annual Spirit of Excellence event on October 29 to recognise airline and commercial partners for sustaining DXB's operations amid challenging conditions, The future of trading reported in November 2026. Dubai Airports chief Paul Griffiths said passenger levels have bounced back at Dubai International airport after Iran conflict disruption, Flightglobal reported in October 2026.

Other Airlines' November Disruptions

British Airways flight BA431 suffered a double tail strike on landing at Heathrow and went around before landing safely on the second attempt, Express.co.uk reported on November 12. Alaska Airlines flight AS322 from Dallas to Seattle was diverted to Yakima due to weather and then grounded overnight by a faulty fuel indicator, with passengers sleeping on Red Cross cots, Simpleflying reported on November 12. Air Peace removed a passenger who threatened to burn the plane, forcing the aircraft to return to the ramp before take-off, Nairametrics reported on November 10.