SpiceJet has been directed to refund airfare and pay over ₹62,000 in compensation to a Srinagar couple who were denied boarding at Delhi airport after their Hajj pilgrimage last year, according to livemint.com. The couple had valid boarding passes but were refused entry onto their flight and forced to spend the night at the airport before booking alternative tickets the next morning.
The couple sought an explanation from SpiceJet staff for the denial but were not provided any reason, the report said. The incident occurred despite the couple completing all check-in formalities. The airline was ordered to compensate the passengers following a complaint and subsequent investigation into the matter, highlighting the airline’s failure to accommodate the travelers as per their valid bookings.
This case underscores ongoing challenges in passenger rights enforcement in India’s aviation sector. Similar compensation rulings have been issued in recent years as regulatory bodies emphasize accountability for airlines denying boarding without valid cause. The ₹62,000 compensation aligns with precedents set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to protect consumer interests and ensure airlines adhere to boarding protocols.
SpiceJet’s spokesperson confirmed the compensation order and stated the airline is reviewing its boarding procedures to prevent recurrence. The DGCA’s ruling on this case was issued on June 28, 2026, marking a notable enforcement action in passenger grievance redressal.