SpiceJet struggle widens; sends pilots on 3-month leave without pay

In order to rationalise cost, budget carrier SpiceJet has asked 80 of its pilots to go on a three-month leave without pay.

The financial crisis of the airline was known but the suddenness of the decision has shocked employees.

The airline has been struggling financially. Also, on July 27, the Director General of Civil Aviation ordered SpiceJet to operate only 50% of its flights for the next eight weeks after multiple air safety incidents were reported.

With that deadline soon approaching completion, SpiceJet, in its statement on Tuesday said, "Even after placing certain pilots on leave without pay, SpiceJet will have sufficient number of pilots to operate its full schedule as and when the DGCA restriction on flights is lifted."

The airline has been making losses from the last four years. The carrier's Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh, had on August 31 this year said the airline will engage with investment bankers to raise up to $200 million.

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