Particle.news

Passengers Force SpiceJet Flight Back to Gate After Cabin Overheats

Regulators are being urged to review SpiceJet after passengers said poor ventilation left many struggling to breathe.

Overview

  • More than 100 travellers on SpiceJet flight SG-105 refused to fly after the cabin grew extremely hot shortly after boarding on Tuesday night, forcing the aircraft to return to the bay and passengers to disembark.
  • Passengers and viral videos show people fanning themselves, children and elderly passengers feeling dizzy, and some receiving medical help at the terminal.
  • SpiceJet said the flight had a last-minute technical issue, that an alternate aircraft was arranged and that air conditioning 'remained operational' while apologising for the inconvenience.
  • Passengers say crew responded poorly, that some staff threatened police action, and at least one uncorroborated account said engineers later found the plane unairworthy.
  • The incident follows multiple reports this year of hot cabins and long onboard holds on SpiceJet flights and has prompted public calls for a formal DGCA or Ministry of Civil Aviation review.