Mumbai airport asks SpiceJet to clear dues in a fortnight

Tells airline that continuation of credit cannot be linked to fund infusion

Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has asked SpiceJet to pay its pending dues by the first week of February and has informed the airline that continuation of credit cannot be linked to fund infusion.

SpiceJet is seeing a change of guard with former director-promoter Ajay Singh taking over the reins of the stressed airline. Singh along with other investors will be infusing about Rs 1,500 crore in the airline in three tranches. However the fund infusion will take place once the airline receives approval from government and regulatory authorities.

The airline has received breather from the Airports Authority of India which has allowed it to clear dues by month end and make a part payment of dues. SpiceJet's dues with AAI are over Rs 200 crore.

Sources said Mumbai airport has written to SpiceJet on Monday seeking an urgent payment of Rs 2 crore and said the airline will be allowed to make 50 percent of its daily payment till month end and will have to clear all its dues in first week of February.

MIAL has informed the airline that payment of 50 percent of the daily charges can not be linked to the infusion of funds by Ajay Singh.

A SpiceJet spokesperson claimed the issue has been sorted out with Mumbai airport.