The Indian low-cost airline Spicejet is currently under particular pressure due to open lease payments. Among others, the Lessor Aircastle has filed for bankruptcy against the company. The low coster defends itself against this legally.

Again and again, Spicejet is involved in processes that are sometimes sensational, which mostly result from the carrier's default in payment. For example, de Havilland sued for a large sum because they stopped paying for ordered Dash 8-400s. A lessor recently had aircraft chained up because the Indian airline is said to have owed the installments. At the time, the carrier claimed that it would not be affected, since the machines were intended to be phased out.

Aircastle is demanding that Spicejet pay leasing installments for a total of four Boeing 737-800s. Having received no payment to date, it filed for bankruptcy under local law on May 4, 2023 through local attorneys representing the Lessor. As a result, the company now has the option of paying within ten days of delivery or making a corresponding objection. If neither happens, the creditor can apply for the formal opening of insolvency proceedings.

According to local media reports, Spicejet is said to have lodged an objection. In concrete terms, this means that a hearing will now take place before the competent court in Delhi. This then determines how to proceed. The low-cost airline is relaxed, however, pointing out that all aircraft leased from Aircastle have already been removed from the fleet. They are also in close contact with the lessor and hope that the matter can be settled out of court.