SpiceJet has postponed the delivery of three of the seven DHC-8Q-400 aircraft it has on order as a result of Delhi International Airport’s decision to raise airport and user development charges. SpiceJet had planned to make Delhi its hub for the three new Q400s, but says this will be impossible with the increased fees.
The airline and the airport operator are in a public battle over the fare increase and no end seems to be in sight. The airline did place the first four Q400s into service from Delhi however.
SpiceJet operates twelve Q400s on regional routes using Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai as hub cities. The previous airport agreement gave aircraft with seating less than eighty passengers a waiver on airport and parking charges at Delhi. A revised policy passed by the airport regulator in May 2012 changed this and added costs to these aircraft as well. The airport has also added additional passenger fees.
Currently, the completed aircraft are in Bombardier’s possession until a decision to their fate is made by SpiceJet.
