SpiceJet Faces Fresh Turmoil as 40 Q400 Pilots Reportedly Refuse to Fly Over Salary Dues
SpiceJet faces fresh operational pressure as around 40 Q400 pilots reportedly refuse to fly over pending salaries amid financial losses and fleet challenges. (Image Spice Jet on X)
By SANJAY SINGH
The airline is grappling with financial losses, a reduced operational fleet and flight disruptions as its domestic market share falls to 1.2%.
New Delhi, October 18, 2026 — SpiceJet is facing fresh operational challenges, with around 40 pilots operating its Q400 aircraft reportedly refusing to fly until their pending salaries are cleared, adding to the financial and operational pressures on the budget airline.
The pilots have received support from the Airline Pilots’ Association of India, which is helping them pursue their salary dues.
SpiceJet has been facing frequent schedule changes, maintenance issues, financial constraints and fleet-related problems, resulting in delays in salary payments to crew members and other employees.
Once India’s third-largest airline, SpiceJet currently operates a significantly reduced fleet amid grounded aircraft and payment disputes with lessors.
According to data available on aircraft-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline has 10 operational aircraft, including two Q400s, while 37 aircraft remain parked.
The airline’s share of the domestic aviation market fell to 1.2 per cent in August 2026, compared with 5.5 per cent for Akasa Air.
SpiceJet’s financial performance has also remained under pressure. The airline reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 261.38 crore in the December 2025 quarter, compared with a net profit of Rs 20.43 crore in the corresponding quarter of December 2024. However, the loss narrowed from Rs 621.29 crore in the September 2025 quarter.
SpiceJet flights have been subject to changing daily schedules, operational pressures and localised disruptions. Recent cancellations have affected routes such as Pune–Dubai, Mumbai connecting services involving Darbhanga and Gorakhpur, and select domestic and international sectors.
International routes have also witnessed cancellations affecting connections from Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Madurai, Kochi, Calicut and Amritsar, as well as services involving Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai and Sharjah.
Domestic and connecting services involving Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru and regional airports have experienced intermittent schedule changes, equipment delays and last-minute cancellations.
The limited number of operational aircraft adds to the challenges facing SpiceJet as it attempts to sustain services amid financial pressure. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also closely monitoring the airline’s position.
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