SpiceJet Delhi-Pune flight: Over 100 passengers refuse to fly after AC failure leaves cabin hot

SpiceJet Delhi Pune Flight Passengers Refuse to Fly After AC Failure

Over 100 Travellers Boarding Delayed Due to Cabin Heat Crisis

Theindiapostdaily.com – A SpiceJet Delhi Pune flight experienced significant disruption when more than 100 passengers refused to continue their journey following an air-conditioning malfunction. The incident unfolded when temperatures inside the aircraft cabin rose to uncomfortable levels, leaving travellers in distress during what should have been a routine evening departure.

Flight SG-105 was scheduled to depart from Delhi at 9:30 PM on Tuesday evening. However, technical complications forced the airline to delay the departure by approximately two hours. The aircraft finally took off at 11:30 PM, well after the original timetable, after passengers had waited extensively on board.

Passenger Accounts of the Heat Crisis

Travellers reported noticing unusual warmth once they had settled into their seats. Many passengers expected the cabin cooling system to activate once the aircraft began taxiing along the runway, which is standard procedure in commercial aviation. Unfortunately, this expectation was not met during the incident.

As we entered the aircraft and took our seats, we realised it was very hot and humid, and the ACs were not working. We remained patient because, in many cases, the air-conditioning is turned up after the aircraft starts taxiing following gate closure. However, that didn’t happen, and the air-conditioning was not switched on even after the aircraft began taxiing on the runway around 40-45 minutes later.

As the delay extended, an increasing number of passengers began experiencing heat-related discomfort. Several individuals reported symptoms including nausea and dizziness. Expectant mothers on board were particularly affected by the rising temperatures and poor ventilation conditions inside the cabin.

When multiple passengers approached the cabin crew requesting that the cooling system be activated, they allegedly received instructions to remain seated and maintain calm. The situation escalated further when passengers became increasingly agitated by the prolonged exposure to hot conditions.

Flight Operations and Resolution

One passenger described the escalating tension: “By then, many passengers were angry as they were sweating profusely and feeling unwell. There were some expectant mothers on board, and a few passengers on the verge of collapsing. The passengers got out of their seats and asked the crew to abort the take-off, demanding that the aircraft doors be opened immediately.”

The aircraft eventually returned to a boarding gate, allowing passengers to disembark. Those who left the aircraft continued expressing their frustration on the tarmac. Several women required medical assistance and were transported to the terminal building using wheelchairs due to dizziness and fatigue caused by the extended heat exposure.

SpiceJet confirmed that a technical problem had occurred shortly before the scheduled departure time. The airline promptly arranged for a replacement aircraft to operate the route and ensure passengers could reach their destination.

A company representative provided further details to media outlets: “On 11 August, SpiceJet flight SG 105, scheduled to operate from Delhi to Pune, encountered a last-minute technical issue. An alternate aircraft was arranged, and the flight subsequently operated to Pune. SpiceJet deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to the passengers.”

A follow-up service was organized for approximately 5:30 AM on Wednesday morning. This replacement flight reached Pune at 7:00 AM, completing the journey after the earlier disruption affected hundreds of travellers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the SpiceJet Delhi Pune flight delay? The flight was delayed due to an air-conditioning malfunction that caused cabin temperatures to rise significantly, leading to passenger discomfort and eventual refusal to board.

How many passengers were affected by the incident? Over 100 passengers refused to fly after experiencing heat-related discomfort during the extended wait on board the aircraft.

When did the flight finally depart? The original 9:30 PM departure was pushed back by approximately two hours, with the aircraft finally leaving at 11:30 PM on Tuesday evening.

What action did SpiceJet take to resolve the situation? SpiceJet arranged for a replacement aircraft to operate the Delhi to Pune route, with a follow-up service departing at 5:30 AM on Wednesday morning.