SpiceJet has ended Boeing 737 MAX operations after its three remaining airworthy jets were ferried out of India, while leases for the aircraft were mutually terminated with lessor BOC Aviation. The move leaves the Indian low-cost carrier with an active fleet of 11 aircraft, underscoring the continuing strain on its capacity and lease structure.
The three MAX 8s are being repositioned to the Philippines, with VT-MXD first to leave Delhi followed by VT-MXE and VT-MXI. Recent reports indicate the airline’s MAX retreat stems from leasing and fleet-availability pressures rather than any new safety or technical issue, after months of aircraft groundings and deregistration activity under IDERA. SpiceJet had already been operating under severe fleet pressure, with multiple aircraft parked and a heavy reliance on temporary capacity. Three wet-leased Airbus A320s now form part of its reduced active operation, bringing the total fleet in service to 11 aircraft.