Several SpiceJet flights to and from Dubai were cancelled on Thursday for "operational reasons", the airline confirmed to Khaleej Times. Some passengers headed to Dubai were reportedly denied check-in due to the airline's failure to settle airport dues, according to various reports. Many travelers received abrupt messages and calls informing them of the situation.
When contacted by Khaleej Times, a SpiceJet spokesperson stated: "Due to operational reasons, a few SpiceJet flights from Dubai were cancelled. Affected passengers have been placed on subsequent SpiceJet flights, other airlines, or given a full refund. All scheduled flights from Dubai are now operating as planned."
Passengers whose flights between Mumbai and Dubai were cancelled had to reschedule appointments or cancel their trips. Sajay Warrier, a former UAE resident, said: "My SpiceJet flight to Dubai was scheduled for 2am on August 28. It was a personal visit. I received a notification from SpiceJet that the flight had been cancelled due to operational reasons and they offered us other options or a refund."
Warrier chose a refund and booked another flight. "I have been told the refund will be processed in 21 days." He added, "Although it was a personal visit, I had a morning meeting in Dubai and had to adjust my schedule because the next flight I got was at 8am. That flight was also delayed, necessitating further changes in my schedule."
Passengers received an SMS stating: "Dear Customer, due to operational reasons, your SpiceJet flight from Mumbai-Dubai has been cancelled. We regret the inconvenience caused. You can rebook yourself on an alternate flight here (link shared)."
Another passenger, S.N., said: "I had booked an early morning flight to Dubai. I was going on a leisure trip to meet my sister and brother-in-law. As I am traveling alone, it wasn't much of an inconvenience for me." She received the message before leaving for the airport. "I have to adjust my journey and rebook, which is a bit of a hassle. But as I am not in a rush, I have opted for a cancellation and refund. I will likely travel in a few days. My only small regret is that I will miss the last days of the summer shopping festival there."
On August 12, Mumbai airport issued an advisory to SpiceJet passengers warning of potential flight disruptions, though this advisory was later retracted. SpiceJet employees, including pilots and cabin crew, were reportedly facing issues over delayed salaries, with payments overdue for two months, according to Indian media reports.
