The incident unfolded when a Dubai-bound SpiceJet flight was diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport on November 30 and subsequently seized by lessors upon landing. The lessors had obtained a court order to repossess the aircraft.
SpiceJet announced on December 8 that the aircraft could return to normal operations at any time, with the decision on when to resume being at the airline’s discretion, in accordance with a directive from the Dubai court.
According to reports, SpiceJet’s SG 15, en route from Ahmedabad, took off on November 30 and was diverted to Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, approximately 10 minutes away from its intended destination at Dubai International Airport. The lessors seized the aircraft after passengers had disembarked.
SpiceJet clarified that on October 30, 2023, the Dubai International Financial Centre Court had issued a freezing order related to specific engines on the aircraft. This order grounded the aircraft at Al Maktoum International Airport since then. However, after a court hearing on December 7, 2023, the order was discharged in favor of SpiceJet. The court also directed an inquiry into the losses incurred by SpiceJet due to the previous order and ordered payment towards the legal costs incurred by the airline. Importantly, the court did not impose any restrictions on SpiceJet from operating the aircraft, including departures from Dubai World Central.
This development occurs amid various legal challenges faced by SpiceJet, including insolvency pleas from four aircraft lessors, namely Aircastle Ireland Ltd, Willis Lease Corporation, Wilmington, and Celestial. These lessors filed petitions with the National Company Law Tribunal, seeking SpiceJet’s admission to the insolvency process to recover outstanding dues.
According to estimates from aviation consulting agency CAPA India, SpiceJet has registered 72 aircraft until the end of FY24, with 28 currently operational.
