NEW DELHI — In a significant operational setback, Bangladesh has reportedly barred Indian budget carrier SpiceJet from utilizing its airspace due to outstanding navigational dues. The restriction has forced the airline to divert flights connecting Kolkata to Northeast destinations like Guwahati and Imphal, opting for longer, alternative flight paths.
Extended Routes and Rising Operational Costs
Data from flight-tracking services indicate that several SpiceJet domestic sectors are now bypassing Bangladeshi territory. While the airline maintains that passenger disruption remains minimal, the detour is expected to result in:
- Increased Fuel Consumption: Circumnavigating the strategic "chicken’s neck" corridor adds significant mileage to each sortie.
- Operational Strain: Industry experts warn that prolonged restrictions lead to higher Flight Crew Duty Period (FDP) requirements and increased maintenance costs.
- Schedule Delays: Though currently managed, the additional flight time may lead to a cascading effect on the airline's daily rotation schedule.
SpiceJet’s Response: "Constructive Dialogue"
A SpiceJet spokesperson addressed the situation on Thursday, February 19, categorizing the restrictions as part of routine procedural matters common in the aviation industry.
"The airline is in constant communication with the relevant authorities regarding navigation charges and other operational issues. We are working constructively to resolve these matters and ensure all scheduled flights continue to operate as per regulations," the spokesperson stated.
The carrier further emphasized that, as of now, passengers are not facing direct cancellations due to this specific airspace hurdle.
Financial Uncertainty and Market Impact
While the exact quantum of the arrears remains undisclosed, sources suggest that the ban was triggered by a failure to clear long-standing navigational and overflight fees. This development comes at a sensitive time for the airline's finances:
- Quarterly Losses: SpiceJet recently reported a net loss of ₹269.27 crore for the quarter ending December 2025, citing one-time expenses and surging input costs.
- Stock Market Volatility: Following the news, SpiceJet shares saw a nearly 1% decline during afternoon trade on the BSE.
The Strategic Importance of Bangladesh Airspace
For flights originating from Kolkata and heading toward India’s Northeastern states, the Bangladeshi flight information region (FIR) provides the most direct and fuel-efficient corridor. Losing this access significantly handicaps an airline's ability to offer competitive pricing on these vital regional routes.
The industry is now closely monitoring the negotiations to see how quickly the two parties can reach a settlement to restore standard flight paths.
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