'SpiceJet chor hai': Passengers protest at Delhi Airport after Dubai flights delayed over 24 hours
PTC Web Desk: Two Dubai-bound SpiceJet flights from Delhi faced long delays, leaving passengers frustrated and prompting protests at the airport. Flights SG 5111 and SG 5105 were delayed by several hours, with passengers staging sit-in protests and raising slogans including “SpiceJet chor hai” and “SpiceJet haye haye”.
According to the airline, the disruption was caused by operational issues after one of its aircraft was grounded. SpiceJet said it was arranging alternate flights for the affected passengers and apologised for the inconvenience.
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The second flight, SG 5105, was scheduled to depart at 6.45 pm on Monday. It was initially pushed to 12:30 pm on Tuesday and was later rescheduled again to 1 am on Wednesday.
Passengers reportedly remained at the airport while waiting for clear information about their flights. They also demanded food, water and accommodation during the prolonged wait.
Sources said SpiceJet staff were not available at the airport for a considerable period to respond to passengers' questions. Airport personnel later intervened, providing food and water and arranging a place where passengers could rest.
Videos recorded at the airport showed passengers protesting and questioning the lack of information from the airline.
In one video, a passenger complained that SpiceJet staff were not available to address their concerns. In another incident, an airport official was seen arguing with a passenger who was recording the situation.
The official reportedly asked the passenger to either leave the airport or seek a refund and also objected to the recording. The exchange further angered passengers who were already upset over the lengthy delay.
The passenger questioned the official's behaviour and said that no SpiceJet representative was available to answer their questions despite passengers having spent significant amounts of money on their travel.
What SpiceJet said
SpiceJet said both Delhi-Dubai flights were delayed because of operational reasons following the grounding of an aircraft.
The airline said it was arranging alternate flights for passengers and taking steps to reduce the disruption.
SpiceJet also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers.
The prolonged delays, however, left several travellers waiting at Delhi airport for hours and demanding clearer communication from the airline.
- PTC NEWS
