Expanded quarterly loss for SpiceJet reaches Rs 234 crore in the first quarter

Budget airline SpiceJet has reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 234 crore in the first quarter of the financial year 2026 (FY26). This marks a significant drop from the profit of Rs 158 crore the company made in the same quarter last year.

The geopolitical situation with a neighbouring country and airspace restrictions in key markets have negatively impacted SpiceJet's performance. These restrictions have also dampened the demand for leisure travel.

Despite these challenges, SpiceJet continues to demonstrate resilience. The company is taking steps to enhance fleet reliability, reduce costs, and expand its network.

The revenue from operations fell 36% year-on-year to Rs 1,060 crore. However, the passenger load factor for SpiceJet remained steady at 86%. The company's passenger revenue per available seat kilometre stood at Rs 4.74 during the quarter.

SpiceJet's Ebitda loss stood at Rs 18 crore in Q1FY26, compared with Rs 402 crore in Q1FY25. This improvement in the company's financial performance is a positive sign, despite the overall loss.

The delay in returning grounded aircraft to service due to global supply chain disruptions and engine overhaul challenges further affected SpiceJet's financial performance.

In the stock market, SpiceJet shares ended 1.6% lower at Rs 34.45. Over the past year, the company's share price has eroded by more than 45%. In 2022 so far, SpiceJet's stock has declined by 39%.

Despite the financial downturn, SpiceJet remains confident of a strong recovery trajectory in the coming quarters. The airline's net worth improved to Rs 446 crore, up from a negative Rs 2,398 crore in Q1FY25.

Meanwhile, India's bioeconomy has seen significant growth. In the last 10 years, it has leaped from $10 billion to $165.7 billion. This growth presents opportunities for companies like SpiceJet to diversify and expand their operations.

In other news, Vedanta won the bid for JAL with a Rs 17,000 crore bid, outbidding Adani. However, no public information is available about who was awarded the JAL contract in FY26 or the amount of money bid for it.