Bangladesh has reportedly restricted SpiceJet from flying through its airspace amid pending payment issues. The move has compelled the low-cost carrier to reroute certain services, increasing flying time on select sectors. The development adds to the operational challenges facing the airline, which recently posted a quarterly loss.
With access to Bangladeshi airspace currently unavailable, some flights departing from Kolkata are taking longer paths to reach their destinations. Services to Guwahati and Imphal are among those impacted, resulting in extended flight durations, according to a PTI report citing sources familiar with the matter.
According to data available on Flightradar24.com, aircraft operating on the Kolkata, Guwahati and Kolkata, Imphal routes were observed avoiding Bangladeshi skies and instead flying alternative corridors, states the report.
While the precise financial obligations remain unclear, sources indicated that the restriction stems from non-payment of certain dues. The exact nature and breakdown of these dues could not be immediately confirmed.
Airline Says Operations Remain Stable
A SpiceJet spokesperson acknowledged in the report that the ongoing engagement with authorities, but downplayed concerns about disruption. "These are routine industry issues, and we are working constructively towards an early resolution. Our flight operations remain unaffected, and we continue to operate our scheduled services in line with regulatory requirements," the spokesperson said in a statement.
The airline described the matter as procedural, indicating that discussions are underway regarding operational and navigation-related charges.
The reported airspace curbs come shortly after the airline disclosed its financial results for the quarter ended December 2025. The carrier posted a net loss of Rs 269.27 crore, citing elevated costs and one-time expenses that weighed on profitability.
Market reaction was muted but negative. During afternoon trading on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), shares of SpiceJet were down nearly 1 per cent at Rs 16.81 apiece.
Although the airline maintains that services continue as scheduled, the longer routings could marginally raise operational costs if the restriction persists. Industry observers note that overflight access is critical for maintaining efficient sector timings and fuel optimisation, particularly on short-haul eastern routes.
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