UN aviation body rejects SpiceJet claim, says it didn't inspect airline

Budget carrier said on Dec 5 its safety processes were found in order 'following an exhaustive audit conducted by the ICAO'

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has denied SpiceJet's claim that the UN body conducted an "exhaustive audit" of the airline and its "operations, safety processes and systems have been found to be in order".

In a message titled "Clarifications regarding ICAO mission to India" on Tuesday, ICAO's spokesperson clarified that it visits various airlines when it conducts an audit of a country's aviation safety oversight system and that "visits to operators are not audits or inspections at all".

The ICAO's audit of the Indian aviation safety oversight system—including areas such as primary aviation legislation, civil aviation organisation, personnel licensing,