A wave of frustration and anger washed over passengers at Delhi airport on Saturday when their SpiceJet flight to Darbhanga was abruptly cancelled just five minutes before boarding. Videos of heated arguments between frustrated passengers and airline staff quickly went viral on social media, showcasing the raw emotions of those left stranded. Passengers could be seen shouting slogans against the airline, expressing their disappointment and anger over the unexpected cancellation.
One passenger, sharing a video of the commotion, claimed that SpiceJet staff refused to offer any form of compensation, citing DGCA regulations. According to the staff, the airline had no obligation to provide compensation, hotel accommodation, transport, or alternative flights. They did, however, mention that passengers could send an email to a specific address mentioned on their boarding passes to claim compensation from the airline through their backend team.
This incident comes as the latest in a string of controversies surrounding SpiceJet. Earlier that day, a flyer reported that their SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Goa faced repeated delays. After engaging in an argument with airline staff, they were eventually provided with a meager meal of two idli and sambar. The passenger expressed their displeasure on social media, stating the original flight was scheduled for 9:30 AM but was rescheduled multiple times, with the latest update being 6:40 PM.
These incidents are not isolated. On August 29, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) decided to place SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance, ordering increased spot checks and night surveillance to ensure the airline’s operational safety. This decision followed a string of incidents involving delays, cancellations, and technical issues reported by the airline.
Adding to the airline’s woes, SpiceJet is also facing legal challenges. They have approached the Supreme Court to challenge a Delhi High Court order grounding three of their aircraft engines due to unpaid dues to lessors. The high court had directed SpiceJet to ground the engines by August 16 and hand them over to their lessors, Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS.
Meanwhile, SpiceJet has announced plans to raise up to ₹ 3,000 crore through the issuance of securities. This move signifies the airline’s efforts to address its financial challenges and improve its operational efficiency. However, the recent incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the airline’s ability to provide reliable and safe travel experiences for its passengers. It remains to be seen how SpiceJet will address these issues and regain the trust of its customers.
