Aviation regulator DGCA launches operational, financial audit of SpiceJet to prevent safety lapses

India’s civil aviation regulator DGCA is conducting operational and, to a certain extent, financial scrutiny of budget carrier SpiceJet to prevent safety lapses, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Tuesday. The airline has faced frequent flight delays and operational problems amid multiple headwinds. Naidu added that the ministry has limits in intervening in a privately run airline, but the DGCA review is aimed at ensuring safety and sustained smooth operations. He said the government extended the ECLGS scheme and SpiceJet was given Rs 150 crore. Sources cited delays in paying staff salaries since May. SpiceJet’s domestic market share fell to 1.6% in July from 1.9% in June. On Sept 3, it finalized leases for 20 planes—15 Boeing and 5 Airbus. Shares closed at Rs 9.20 on the BSE, down 2.85%.