SpiceJet employees at Bengaluru airport have raised the possibility of an indefinite strike after facing delays in salary payments. According to a report by Moneycontrol, staff members said their salaries have been inconsistent since October 2025, with three months still pending. Some security personnel briefly stopped work late on 9 August but returned after senior officials assured them of payment within a day.
Workers claim repeated delays have left them struggling to pay rent, EMIs, and credit card bills. They also allege difficulties in leaving the company due to long notice periods and delays in receiving relieving letters. Concerns have been raised about pending statutory benefits such as provident fund and gratuity.
SpiceJet has denied reports of a flash strike, stating that operations at Bengaluru airport remained unaffected. The airline said salaries for junior staff had already been disbursed and payments for others were being released in phases. It also disputed claims about a six-month notice period, clarifying that such terms apply only to senior management.
The unrest comes at a time of heightened security at Bengaluru airport ahead of Independence Day, with staff handling increased baggage checks and passenger screening. Employees say the financial stress, combined with demanding work conditions, has made the situation unbearable. It is reported that similar complaints have also surfaced from SpiceJet staff at Chennai airport.
SpiceJet’s market share has reportedly dropped to a mere 3.7 per cent. Rising fuel costs and restricted airspace access due to the Middle East conflict have added to the financial strain on carriers, intensifying pressure across the aviation sector.