Bangladesh Closes Airspace to Indian Airline Over Unpaid Dues

Bangladesh has blocked an Indian private airline from using its airspace due to unpaid dues. The decision has added pressure on India’s struggling aviation sector.

According to reports published in The Daily Sun (Bangladesh) and The Economic Times (India), Bangladesh has stopped SpiceJet from operating through its airspace after the airline failed to clear outstanding payments.

Flights Forced to Take Longer Routes

Flights operating from Kolkata to northeastern Indian cities such as Guwahati and Imphal are now forced to use alternative routes. These new routes are longer and increase travel time.

Because of the detour, fuel consumption has increased. This may raise operational costs for the airline. Industry experts say longer routes can directly impact ticket pricing and profitability.

Financial Struggles of SpiceJet

SpiceJet has been facing financial problems for several months. The company’s shares have also seen a slight decline.

In its quarterly financial report ending December 2025, the airline reported a loss of 269.27 crore Indian rupees. This highlights the ongoing financial stress within the company.

Growing Diplomatic Tensions

Experts believe relations between Bangladesh and India are becoming more strained. Diplomatic differences are now turning into visible tensions.

Analysts say Bangladesh is adopting a more independent diplomatic approach. The airspace restriction reflects Bangladesh’s sovereign decision-making stance.

The development adds to challenges already facing India’s aviation industry, which has been under pressure due to financial instability and operational disruptions.