The DGCA has given SpiceJet three weeks to respond to the notice. Apart from the safety concerns, the DGCA also pulled up SpiceJet over non-payment to suppliers. "Financial assessment carried out by DGCA in September 2021 has also revealed that the airline is operating on 'cash-and-carry' (model) and suppliers/approved vendors are not being paid on a regular basis leading to shortage of spares and frequent invoking of MELs (minimum equipment lists)," it stated.