Patna: A SpiceJet flight operating on the Mumbai–Patna route was delayed by more than seven hours on Friday, leading to a commotion at Patna Airport as passengers protested over prolonged waiting time and lack of facilities.
Flight Arrival Delayed by Over Seven Hours
According to flight schedule details, SpiceJet flight SG-681 was expected to arrive in Patna from Mumbai at 6:50 PM on Friday. However, the aircraft landed at 2:15 AM on Saturday, marking a delay of around 7 hours and 25 minutes.
Passengers reported that they were kept waiting at the airport for several hours with limited clarity on the revised timing.
Return Flight Also Disrupted
The delay of the incoming aircraft directly impacted the return service, SG-682, scheduled to depart from Patna to Mumbai at 7:40 PM on Friday.
The flight eventually departed around 3:00 AM on Saturday, causing further inconvenience to passengers travelling to Mumbai.
Confusion Over Timing Triggers Anger
Passengers said they were initially informed that the flight would depart around 1:00 AM. However, uncertainty over the schedule and circulating rumours of cancellation led to growing frustration at the airport.
The situation escalated into a protest at the airline counter as passengers demanded clarity from airline staff.
Heated Exchange at Airport
A heated argument broke out between some passengers and SpiceJet staff during the delay. CISF personnel stationed at the airport intervened to manage the situation and restore order.
Airline officials later assured passengers that the flight would operate, helping to de-escalate tensions.
Allegations Over Lack of Facilities
Several passengers alleged that basic facilities such as drinking water and tea were not adequately provided during the extended delay.
They said the prolonged wait without sufficient arrangements worsened the discomfort, particularly for elderly travellers and families.
Airline Cites Operational Issue
A SpiceJet spokesperson Anand Kumar said the disruption on the Mumbai–Patna and Patna–Mumbai routes was due to an operational issue related to crew rostering.
The airline said no cancellation notice was issued and that passengers were kept informed at regular intervals about the revised schedule.
Repeated Delays Raise Concerns
Passengers also reported delays on the same route on subsequent days, raising concerns over punctuality and service reliability.
They have urged the airline management to ensure timely operations and improve passenger amenities during unavoidable delays.
