Flight Disruptions
SpiceJet cancels about 15 to 20 flights a day in India amid cash crunch

SpiceJet cancels about 15 to 20 flights a day in India amid cash crunch

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Checked by Josh Arnfield

Last updated on 13 November 2026

Affected airports

Affected airlines

Affected airports

Affected airlines

Disruption overview

Payment problems at SpiceJet are disrupting travel in India, with about 15 to 20 daily cancellations and some passengers waiting 3 to 5 hours before their flights are called off. As of 11 November 2026, the carrier is operating roughly 65 scheduled services, while its fleet has fallen to about 12 aircraft, including 3 grounded over payment issues. Unpaid supplier bills have forced the airline to pay upfront for essential services, and employees haven't received salaries since June 2026. If your journey's affected, you may qualify for compensation under India's passenger rights framework, depending on your flight and whether the disruption was within the airline's control.

Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations.

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Disruption details

SpiceJet is canceling about 15 to 20 flights a day in India as financial problems disrupt its operations. As of 11 November 2026, the airline is operating roughly 65 scheduled services, with some flights delayed for 3 to 5 hours before being canceled.

For passengers, that can mean hours of waiting followed by a last-minute change of plans. If you're traveling with SpiceJet, the disruption isn't limited to canceled departures: long delays are also affecting journeys.

The airline's cash shortage is affecting its ability to pay for the services it needs to keep flights running. Unpaid bills include money owed to aircraft leasing companies, fuel suppliers, airport operators, and ground-handling agencies.

SpiceJet is now having to pay upfront for essential services rather than relying on credit. That leaves little flexibility to restore normal operations when its schedule is disrupted, with payment problems driving last-minute cancellations.

Its fleet has also shrunk to about 12 aircraft, with 3 grounded because of payment issues. Employees haven't received salaries since June 2026, adding to the financial pressures facing the airline.

These problems extend beyond an isolated delay or cancellation. With aircraft grounded and essential suppliers requiring payment upfront, the airline has limited room to recover its schedule.

If your flight's affected, India's passenger rights framework is the relevant starting point. You may be entitled to compensation when a cancellation or delay is within the airline's control. Payment-related operational problems may fall into that category, but eligibility depends on your flight and the circumstances.

Compensation isn't the only support worth checking. Ask SpiceJet about your options for a refund or rebooking, along with any care and assistance that applies while you're waiting. You can also use AirHelp's free flight checker to find out whether your disrupted flight could qualify for compensation.

Know your rights

These are your air passenger rights

When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.

Up to £520 compensation

Passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed over 3 hours may be entitled to financial compensation ranging up to £520 per person. Check your flight.

Rerouting or refund

If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Care and assistance

Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.

Accommodation

If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.

Communication

Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.

This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.

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Quick facts

Summary

Disruption

Delays and Cancellations

Cause

Other

Status

Current disruption

Compensation

Could be eligible for up to £520 compensation

Airlines affected

SpiceJet

Airports affected

Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport

Cities affected

New Delhi

Countries affected

India

Checked by

Josh Arnfield

Date updated

13 November 2026

What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked

If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.

Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.

Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.

Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.

Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.

Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.

If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.

Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.

Information on this page is AI generated, but always checked by a (human) passenger right expert.

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