SpiceJet, India’s leading budget carrier,  has cancelled four dozen flights to and from Kathmandu scheduled for December, as it looks to cut costs by reducing the number of flights to prop up its financial health. The cash-strapped airline company has also informed about cancellation of 1,734 flights across India for this month as its financial problems continue to deepen.

According to information posted by SpiceJet on its website, it has cancelled 46 flights to and from Kathmandu scheduled for December 9 to 31. With these cancellations, the airline will be making seven flights a week from Kathmandu instead of 11. The airline flies on Kathmandu-New Delhi and Kathmandu-Bagdogra routes every day.

SpiceJet’s GSA here said the customers whose flights had been cancelled could fly on other scheduled flights or apply for refund.

But it appears the company has not informed its clients here about the true cause behind cancellation of flights.

SpiceJet is struggling to stay afloat due to fierce fare competition and higher operating costs, according to international media reports.

As its financial health started worsening, India’s aviation sector regulator has asked the company not to book tickets beyond 30 days. On Monday, the regulator threatened to issue a show-cause notice if the airline did not stop accepting bookings for flights scheduled to fly after more than a month.