New Delhi: Passengers of SpiceJet flight SG 495 from Delhi to Darbhanga were left fuming after the airline abruptly canceled the flight just five minutes before boarding. The unexpected cancellation sparked anger and frustration among the passengers, leading to heated confrontations with airline officials at Terminal 3 of Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport.Protests erupted at the boarding gate as disgruntled passengers chanted slogans such as SpiceJet murdabad in protest against the airlines decision. Videos shared on social media show passengers raising their voices and demanding explanations, visibly upset by the last-minute cancellation.Frequent flight cancellations spark outrageSeveral passengers who frequently travel on the Delhi-Darbhanga route expressed their deep dissatisfaction, alleging that this was not an isolated incident. According to some travelers, SpiceJet has been regularly canceling flights on this route for the past few months, often with minimal notice. One passenger stated, It feels like every other day, they cancel the flight just before boarding, leaving us stranded. This pattern of repeated cancellations has fueled growing resentment among those who rely on the airline for travel between the two cities.Watch the video here:✈️: SpiceJet is yet again in hot waters with passengers as it allegedly cancelled its flight from Delhi to Darbhanga five minutes before boarding. Passengers shouted SpiceJet murdabad in front of the airline team to protest.@flyspicejet #SpiceJet #Delhi #Darbhanga #Flight pic.twitter.com/CKdqk1TSWd— Safari India (@SafariIndia) September 14, 2024Despite the widespread outrage, SpiceJet has yet to issue an official statement addressing the reasons for the cancellation or the passengers complaints.SpiceJets struggles amid regulatory scrutinySpiceJet has been under significant pressure in recent months. In August, Indias aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), placed the airline under enhanced surveillance. This decision came after a routine audit uncovered certain deficiencies in the airlines operations.The airline has been grappling with financial difficulties, struggling to regain its footing in the competitive Indian aviation market. Despite several rounds of fundraising, SpiceJet continues to lag behind industry leaders such as IndiGo and Tata-owned Air India in terms of market share.In September, SpiceJet announced a deal with Carlyle Aviation, which included the conversion of $30 million in lease arrears into equity at ₹100 per share, a 56% premium over the airlines closing price at the time. The move was seen as a significant step in strengthening Carlyle Aviations stake in the struggling carrier, offering a potential lifeline as SpiceJet works to stabilize its operations.
