SpiceJet comes out of DGCA’s enhanced surveillance regime

SpiceJet comes out of DGCA’s enhanced surveillance regime

Subject :Economy

Section: Infrastructure

Context:: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has removed SpiceJet from its enhanced surveillance regime, signaling a resolution to the airline’s recent challenges.

Key Points: 

• The low-cost carrier had been facing several challenges that prompted the regulator to closely monitor its operations.
• The air carrier was put on surveillance twice due to following reasons:
  • The airline experienced repeated safety incidents due to which the regulator. placed it under intense scrutiny to ensure compliance with safety protocols. These restrictions were later lifted on October 30 of the same year.
  • The company also faced financial struggles later, when multiple lessors sought to repossess aircraft leased to the carrier. DGCA then decided to place the airline under enhanced surveillance again. The payment issues in these cases were eventually settled by the airline. Consequently, DGCA reinstated the enhanced surveillance regime.

What is the enhanced surveillance regime?

• • DGCA on receiving any report of any incident that may affect safety or air worthiness of the aircraft, may bring the airline under enhanced surveillance.
  • Enhanced surveillance involves increased night surveillance and spot checks to ensure the airline’s adherence to safety standards.
  • It may be triggered by financial difficulties too, as this can have indirect effect on aircraft maintenance and safety.