SpiceJet

How the airline is rewriting its success narrative

SpiceJet, a low-cost carrier, has received a significant boost to its turnaround strategy with CRISIL reaffirming its confidence in the airline’s recovery by assigning it an A4+ rating. This rating is based on SpiceJet’s restructuring plan, strong capital-raising ability, and adequate liquidity. The airline’s efforts to strengthen its financial and operational performance have been recognized, with a focus on disciplined financial management.

The CRISIL rating is the latest in a series of positive developments for SpiceJet, following two consecutive upgrades from Acuité Ratings & Research. In September 2025, Acuité upgraded the airline’s long-term credit rating to ‘BB (Stable)’ from ‘BB- (Stable)’, and reaffirmed its short-term rating at ‘A4+’. These upgrades reflect growing market confidence in SpiceJet’s turnaround strategy.

The key factors supporting the improved rating include SpiceJet’s detailed revival plan, which involves ungrounding 10 aircraft by early 2026 and finalizing damp lease agreements for 18 aircraft. This will result in a 2.5x capacity increase, which is expected to improve the airline’s operating profitability, especially during peak travel seasons.

CRISIL also noted that SpiceJet has a strong liquidity position, with INR 333 crore in free cash and equivalents, supplemented by INR 150 crore in restricted cash. These funds, along with anticipated steady cash inflows, are expected to cover operational expenses, debt repayments, and lease obligations, ensuring stability during the revival process.

The recognition from CRISIL and Acuité signals renewed confidence in SpiceJet’s ability to navigate challenges, expand its operations, and strengthen its position as a key player in India’s low-cost airline segment. Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer of SpiceJet, expressed pleasure at the CRISIL rating, stating that it reaffirms the airline’s commitment to building a stronger and more resilient airline, well-positioned for sustainable growth.

Overall, the CRISIL A4+ rating is a significant boost to SpiceJet’s turnaround strategy, reflecting the airline’s efforts to strengthen its financial and operational performance. With a strong liquidity position and a detailed revival plan in place, SpiceJet is well-positioned to navigate challenges and expand its operations in the Indian low-cost airline segment.

Dubai to Delhi SpiceJet flight arrives with no passenger luggage onboard, sparking complaints.

On October 8, 2025, SpiceJet flight SG-12 from Dubai to New Delhi landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport without the luggage of its 148 passengers. The airline claimed that the aircraft was overweight, necessitating the offloading of all checked-in luggage before departure from Dubai. However, passengers were not informed about this decision, and many only discovered that their luggage was missing when they arrived at the baggage carousel. The lack of communication from the airline added to the frustration of the passengers, who were left without access to essential items such as clothing and medication.

Passengers were asked to fill out Baggage Irregularity Reports and were informed that their belongings would be sent on the next available flight. However, as of the time of reporting, there were no confirmed updates regarding compensation or assistance provided by the airline. The incident has raised concerns over the airline’s protocols and customer service preparedness. Several passengers have spoken out about their experience, questioning the logistics of the situation and the financial stress caused by the loss of their luggage.

This incident is not an isolated case, as SpiceJet has faced similar issues in the past. In June 2025, a Dubai-Pune flight arrived without the luggage of approximately 140 passengers, and on October 7, 2025, a Jaipur-Dubai flight was delayed by 14 hours and eventually canceled due to “operational reasons.” The repeated baggage mishandling incidents and poor communication have led to growing dissatisfaction among SpiceJet customers.

The airline’s failure to address these issues effectively has eroded customer trust and confidence. The lack of transparency and communication has added to the frustration of affected passengers, who are left wondering how such incidents can occur repeatedly. As one passenger tweeted, “@SpiceJet set a new benchmark today. After delaying take-off by only one hour (yay!), they forgot passengers’ luggage at Dubai Airport.” The incident has highlighted the need for the airline to review its protocols and improve its customer service to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

The incident has also raised questions about the airline’s weight management protocols and how they can be improved to prevent such incidents from occurring. The fact that the airline claimed that the aircraft was overweight, but did not inform passengers about the offloading of their luggage, has raised concerns about the airline’s communication procedures. The incident has also highlighted the need for the airline to provide adequate compensation and assistance to affected passengers.

In conclusion, the incident involving SpiceJet flight SG-12 has highlighted the need for the airline to review its protocols and improve its customer service. The repeated baggage mishandling incidents and poor communication have led to growing dissatisfaction among SpiceJet customers, and the airline must take steps to address these issues effectively to prevent further incidents from occurring. The airline must also provide adequate compensation and assistance to affected passengers and improve its communication procedures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Tata Consultancy Services sues SpiceJet for allegedly failing to pay Rs 2.34 crore in outstanding technology bills.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has taken SpiceJet to court over unpaid technology bills amounting to Rs 2.34 crore. The lawsuit, filed in the Bombay High Court, alleges that SpiceJet has failed to pay TCS for services provided, including software development, maintenance, and support. TCS claims that it had provided these services to SpiceJet as part of a contract signed between the two companies.

According to the lawsuit, SpiceJet had availed of TCS’s services for its IT requirements, including the development and maintenance of software applications, data analytics, and cybersecurity. TCS had allegedly raised invoices for these services, but SpiceJet had failed to pay the dues, prompting TCS to take legal action.

The unpaid amount of Rs 2.34 crore is said to have accrued over a period of time, with TCS claiming that SpiceJet had made partial payments, but had not cleared the entire amount. TCS has sought the court’s intervention to recover the outstanding amount, along with interest and costs.

SpiceJet, on the other hand, has disputed TCS’s claims, stating that the latter had not provided the services as agreed upon. The airline has also alleged that TCS had not fulfilled its obligations under the contract, leading to losses and damages for SpiceJet.

The court has issued a notice to SpiceJet, directing it to respond to TCS’s allegations. The matter is scheduled to be heard shortly, with TCS seeking a directive from the court to SpiceJet to pay the outstanding amount.

This development comes at a time when SpiceJet is already facing financial difficulties, with the airline struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has been reporting losses for several quarters, and its financial health has been a subject of concern for investors and stakeholders.

The dispute between TCS and SpiceJet highlights the challenges faced by companies in the IT and aviation sectors, where contracts and agreements can be complex and prone to disputes. The outcome of the lawsuit will be closely watched, as it could have implications for the business relationships between IT service providers and their clients in the aviation sector.

SpiceJet receives its second credit rating boost within a single month.

SpiceJet, a leading airline in India, has received a significant boost in its credit rating. Acuité Ratings & Research has upgraded the airline’s long-term credit rating to BB (Stable) from BB- (Stable), while maintaining its short-term rating at A4+. This upgrade comes just a month after the airline’s previous rating upgrade, indicating a notable improvement in its financial health and liquidity.

The reasons behind this upgrade are multifaceted. SpiceJet has shared detailed plans for its operational revival, which include adding new leased aircraft, increasing its daily flights to 280, and reintroducing grounded planes. The airline has also resolved its dispute with Carlyle Aviation Partners, a major lessor, which is expected to enhance cash flow for maintenance and reduce lease debt. This settlement will also enable SpiceJet to convert part of its lease debt into company ownership, further strengthening its financial position.

Acuité attributes the rating upgrade to SpiceJet’s robust operational plans, improved liquidity, and agreements with key lessors. The airline’s leadership, particularly Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh, has been praised for its experience and success in turning the airline around in the past. With over 15 years of experience in the aviation sector, Singh’s expertise has been instrumental in driving SpiceJet’s growth.

Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer of SpiceJet, expressed confidence in the airline’s future, stating that the consecutive upgrades in credit ratings demonstrate its efforts to build a stronger financial base and prepare for long-term growth. With a growing fleet, restructured agreements, and a focus on expansion and profitability, SpiceJet is poised to improve its operations and customer experience.

The rating agency believes that SpiceJet’s expanding fleet and diverse revenue sources will support its earnings in the near future. This upgrade is a testament to the airline’s commitment to strengthening its financial foundation and driving growth. As SpiceJet continues to expand its operations and improve its services, it is likely to maintain its position as a leading player in the Indian aviation industry. Overall, the credit rating upgrade is a positive development for SpiceJet, indicating a significant improvement in its financial health and prospects for future growth.

Mass flight cancellations by KLM, Air France, and SpiceJet have caused travel chaos in France, Netherlands, Germany, and India, with over 8 flights grounded at key airports like Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Kolkata.

Multiple flight cancellations have been reported across major airports in Europe and India, affecting thousands of passengers. KLM, Air France, and SpiceJet have canceled over 8 flights, causing significant travel disruptions. The affected airports include Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, Berlin-Brandenburg, Charles de Gaulle, Maya-Maya, Indira Gandhi International, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International.

KLM has canceled several flights on its European routes, including flights between Amsterdam and London, as well as between Amsterdam and Berlin. The canceled KLM flights include:

* KLM1009 from Amsterdam to London
* KLM1356 from Prague to Amsterdam
* KLM1010 from London to Amsterdam
* KLM1781 from Amsterdam to Berlin
* KLM1782 from Berlin to Amsterdam

Air France has also experienced significant disruptions, with cancellations on routes serving European and African destinations. The canceled Air France flights include:

* AFR918 from Maya-Maya to Pointe Noire
* AFR1834 from Charles de Gaulle to Berlin-Brandenburg

SpiceJet, an Indian budget carrier, has canceled one flight, SEJ184, which was scheduled to depart from New Delhi to Kolkata.

The cancellations have caused widespread delays, impacting passengers traveling through major hubs. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines’ customer service teams for assistance with rebooking and compensation options. Airlines usually prioritize rebooking those who were affected by cancellations and may offer compensation for significant delays or cancellations.

Affected passengers should stay informed about their rights and explore all options provided by the airline. By staying in touch with customer service teams and taking prompt action, passengers can navigate these disruptions more effectively. The situation is ongoing, and passengers are urged to check with their airlines for the latest updates and information on rebooking and compensation options.

In conclusion, the recent flight cancellations have resulted in significant delays and complications for travelers flying with KLM, Air France, and SpiceJet. However, by being proactive and seeking assistance, affected passengers can minimize disruptions and find alternative travel arrangements. As the situation continues to unfold, passengers are advised to stay informed and in touch with their airlines to ensure a smooth and convenient travel experience.