More than 100 passengers on SpiceJet flight SG-105 from Delhi to Pune refused to continue their journey after the aircraft's air-conditioning system malfunctioned, leaving the cabin hot and humid. The flight, originally scheduled for 9:30 pm, was delayed by two hours and finally departed at 11:30 pm, according to a passenger quoted by The Times of India.
The faulty air-conditioning system caused discomfort among passengers, prompting protests onboard. Some travelers required medical assistance due to the extreme heat inside the cabin. In response, SpiceJet arranged an alternate aircraft to continue the journey and issued an apology for the inconvenience caused to passengers.
This incident highlights ongoing operational challenges faced by Indian airlines, particularly regarding aircraft maintenance and passenger comfort. Delays and technical issues can significantly impact customer experience and airline reputation. SpiceJet, one of India's major carriers, has faced scrutiny in the past over service disruptions, making this event notable in the context of industry standards and competition.
SpiceJet's handling of the situation included deploying a replacement plane and providing medical aid to affected passengers. The airline's official apology came as part of its efforts to manage the fallout from the incident, which occurred on August 11, 2026, according to livemint.com.