A SpiceJet flight en route from Ahmedabad to Dubai (SG 15) was unexpectedly diverted and impounded by its lessor on November 30. The incident has raised questions about the airline’s financial health and its ability to maintain its aircraft fleet.
The flight departed Ahmedabad at 12:12 AM on November 30th and was just minutes away from landing at Dubai International Airport when it was diverted to Dubai’s secondary airport, Al Maktoum International. After passengers disembarked, the Boeing 737 NG aircraft, leased from Carlyle Aviation Partners in 2018, was seized by lessors.
SpiceJet has allegedly defaulted on payments for the aircraft, prompting the lessor to take action. While the airline claims the diversion was due to an “ex-parte order,” industry sources suggest an engine lessor may have secured a court order to ground the aircraft and potentially remove its engines.
Despite the seizure, SpiceJet maintains that there are no restrictions on bringing the aircraft back to India.
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