Jet Airways, once India's largest private airline, has temporarily suspended all domestic and international flights after failing to secure emergency funding. The airline, which has accumulated a debt of $1.2 billion, cited its inability to pay for fuel and critical services as the reason for grounding its fleet. Despite efforts to negotiate with lenders, the airline's request for interim funding was rejected, leading to the decision to cancel all operations.
The airline's last flight, departing from Amritsar, was a bittersweet journey for staff and passengers. Many crew members, having worked for the airline for years, expressed hope for a future revival, but uncertainty about their jobs and the future of the airline loomed large. Passengers aboard the final flight reflected a mix of emotions, some feeling frustration and others choosing to book the flight as a historic moment.
Founded over 25 years ago by Naresh Goyal, Jet Airways once operated hundreds of routes across the globe. However, the airline has struggled in recent years due to competition from low-cost carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet. Jet Airways continues to work with its lenders and stakeholders in hopes of finding a solution to resume operations. Etihad Airways, which already owns a stake in the airline, is reportedly considering increasing its control.