A court in the Emirate of Dubai has released the Boeing 737-800 that was recently seized at Dubai-World Central Airport at the request of creditors. The machine affected is with the Indian registration VT-SLM.

The lessor Carlyle Aviation had arranged for the Boeing 737-800 operated by Spicejet, which was approaching Dubai International Airport, to be diverted to World Central Airport. The medium-haul jet was there after the passengers disembarked seized by representatives of Lessors with the assistance of a bailiff.

The Indian aviation company, in which the lessor has a stake of around 7,5 percent, went to court against this measure. On December 7, 2023, a judge ruled that this Boeing 737-800 must be released. The seizure was declared inadmissible. It has also been determined that Lessor must reimburse the airline Spicejet for legal and court costs. Furthermore, compensation for loss of earnings was awarded on the merits, but not yet the amount.

It is currently unclear to what extent Carlyle Aviation will take legal action. According to the court's announcement, this does not have a suspensive effect regarding the release of the machine. Spicejet didn't let that happen either, because the VT-SLM was flown to Mumbai on December 8, 2023 under flight number SG9798. The medium-haul jet has been back in scheduled service since December 9, 2023. To date, the VL-SLM has no longer been used in the United Arab Emirates.

Given that the Lessor is expected to challenge the decision of the Dubai-based court, it is unlikely that Spicejet will use this aircraft towards the United Arab Emirates in the near future.