New Delhi: SpiceJet is facing mounting operational pressure as its active fleet size drops close to the regulatory threshold required for international operations.
The airline's fleet has reduced from around 33 aircraft in December to nearly 21 by early May, raising concerns about its ability to sustain overseas routes.
Under rules set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airlines must maintain at least 20 aircraft or allocate 20 per cent of capacity to domestic routes, whichever is higher, to operate international flights. With only a narrow margin left, any further reduction could put SpiceJet's global operations at risk.
The sharp fall in fleet size has been attributed to aircraft returns to lessors and several planes being grounded due to maintenance issues. While the airline has stated that it remains compliant with current regulations, industry experts warn that the situation is precarious.
SpiceJet maintains that it has 54 aircraft listed under its Air Operator Permit (AOP), including grounded planes. However, DGCA data indicates a lower number of operational aircraft, highlighting the gap between registered and active fleet strength.
The airline's domestic market standing has also taken a hit. In March, SpiceJet slipped to fourth position with a market share of 3.9 per cent.
Rivals such as Akasa Air have overtaken it with a larger operational fleet, while IndiGo continues to dominate the sector. The Air India Group remains another major competitor, maintaining a strong presence across domestic and international routes.
The airline is currently operating a mix of Boeing aircraft and turboprops, with several Boeing planes on wet or damp lease arrangements. These leases include varying levels of crew, maintenance, and operational support, allowing the airline to continue limited operations despite its constrained fleet.
However, a significant portion of its aircraft remains grounded, further limiting capacity and affecting flight schedules.
SpiceJet has indicated that it is actively working to restore grounded aircraft by collaborating with maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) partners, as well as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and lessors.
The airline is also exploring fundraising options and expects support under the Extended Credit-Linked Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS), which could help strengthen its financial position and bring more aircraft back into service.
Officials said these efforts are part of a broader strategy to stabilise operations and gradually rebuild fleet capacity.
Beyond internal constraints, external factors have added to the airline's difficulties. Geopolitical tensions in West Asia have disrupted key international routes, while rising fuel costs and currency depreciation have increased operational expenses.
Flight activity has declined, with weekly departures dropping below earlier levels. The airline continues to face financial losses, reflecting ongoing stress on its balance sheet.
Aviation experts caution that if SpiceJet's fleet falls below the 20-aircraft threshold, it could face regulatory scrutiny. In such cases, international operations may require special permission from the DGCA.
While temporary exemptions may be granted under exceptional circumstances, sustained non-compliance could lead to restrictions or suspension of overseas flights.
SpiceJet's shrinking fleet highlights the challenges facing the airline as it navigates financial strain and operational hurdles. With its international operations hanging in the balance, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the airline can stabilise its fleet and maintain compliance with regulatory norms.