After smoke was detected in the cabin during the descent, a SpiceJet flight bound for Hyderabad landed safely at its destination airport. The SpiceJet Q400 plane that took off from Goa on Thursday morning landed in Hyderabad, surrounded by fire trucks. The plane was towed to a remote gate, where the passengers disembarked safely.
“SpiceJet Q400 aircraft operating from Goa to Hyderabad landed safely at its destination on October 12 after smoke was observed in the cabin during descent. Passengers were safely disembarked,” a SpiceJet spokesperson said.
SpiceJet has come under fire for a string of safety incidents in recent months, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to impose a 50% cap on the budget airline’s summer schedule.
SpiceJet flights were restricted on July 27 for an eight-week period by the aviation regulator after the airline reported frequent air safety incidents.The restriction was extended by the aviation regulator last month by one month, to October 29.
“The review has indicated that there is appreciable reduction in the number of safety incidents. However, as a matter of abundant caution the competent authority has decided that the restriction as imposed in the order dated 27.07.2022 shall continue to be in force till the end of the summer schedule i.e 29.10.2022, in accordance with the powers conferred under rule 19A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937,” said the DGCA order dated September 21.
The DGCA also clarified that any increase in the number of departures during this period will be subject to the airline demonstrating to the regulator that it has sufficient technical support and financial resources to carry out such increased capacity safely and efficiently.
“During this period, the airline shall be subject to enhanced surveillance by DGCA,” the order added.