Delhi-Pune SpiceJet flight turns into nine-hour ordeal amid AC complaints

A SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Pune turned into a nearly nine-hour ordeal after passengers complained of sweltering cabin conditions and inadequate air conditioning. The airline cited a last-minute technical issue, arranged an alternate aircraft and maintained that the AC remained operational

New Delhi: A SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Pune turned into a nearly nine-hour ordeal for passengers, with several travellers alleging that a malfunctioning air conditioning system left them struggling in sweltering cabin conditions before the airline eventually arranged an alternate aircraft.

The flight, scheduled to depart from Terminal 1 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at 9:45 pm on Tuesday, was later delayed to 10:30 pm.

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However, after passengers boarded the aircraft, many began complaining about rising temperatures inside the cabin and a lack of adequate air conditioning.

Several passengers took to social media to share their experience, with some describing the aircraft as a “gas chamber” and alleging that the cabin became unbearably hot.

Videos circulating online showed passengers standing inside the aircraft and fanning themselves in an attempt to cope with the heat.

According to passengers, the uncomfortable conditions persisted for a prolonged period, turning the scheduled two-hour-and-10-minute flight into a nearly nine-hour ordeal.

Travellers claimed they experienced suffocation-like conditions while waiting inside the aircraft.

On Wednesday, SpiceJet acknowledged that the flight had encountered a last-minute technical issue.

The airline said an alternate aircraft was arranged to operate the Pune service after the problem was identified.

In a statement, the airline maintained that the aircraft’s air conditioning system remained operational throughout the incident.

“The air conditioning remained operational throughout. Due to prevailing weather conditions in Delhi, some passengers may have experienced discomfort,” a SpiceJet spokesperson said.

The airline also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers.

However, sources familiar with the matter said a large number of passengers faced significant discomfort due to heat inside the aircraft, with problems reportedly linked to the air conditioning system.

The exact number of passengers affected could not be immediately ascertained.