Jet airways crisis: Only 70 out of 123 aircrafts operational, airline asked to minimise inconvenience to passengers

Over 40% of Jet Airways’ total fleet of 123 aircraft is grounded due to non-payment of lease rentals and lack of spares, a senior official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Thursday. DGCA director general BS Bhullar said Jet’s flight schedule is being monitored on a monthly basis as its fleet count has been reduced to 70. “Jet’s financial situation is well known. We are in constant touch with the airlines. We have told them to inform passengers about cancellations well in advance so that inconvenience is minimised,” Bhullar told reporters. He added that forward sales would not be banned as it can create a panic in the industry.

Cash-strapped Jet Airways had a fleet of 123 aircraft, including Airbus A330s and Boeing 737-800s, at the end of December 2018.