SpiceJet’s big negligence exposed… passengers got only burgers and fries in 14-hour delay, commission slaps heavy fine

Spicejet Airlines News: If you are also troubled by the negligence of the airlines, then this news can give you courage. Dinesh Hemrajani, a resident of Mulund, Mumbai, was turned away by SpiceJet for just one burger and fries during the 14-hour long delay. But now the District Consumer Commission has ordered SpiceJet to pay Rs 50000/- as damages and Rs 5000/- as legal expenses.

Dinesh Hemrajani had booked flight SG 60 from Dubai to Mumbai on 27 July 2024. This flight was to depart at 4 pm, but the take-off took place at 6:10 am the next morning i.e. a delay of 14 hours. Hemrajani says that during this long delay, the passengers were neither given proper food nor any hotel accommodation. Burger and fries were given only once. Apart from this, no clear information or update was given.

What did the commission say?

The Consumer Commission clearly stated that in such a situation, it is the responsibility of the airline to provide full food, water and resting place to the passengers. It is necessary to inform the passengers about the delay from time to time. SpiceJet only cited CAR Civil Aviation Requirements and CAA Carriage by Air Act, but did not prove that they made the necessary arrangements. The Commission said that if the airline claims that it took all the necessary steps, then it will have to provide evidence of it, such as flight logs, notices sent to passengers and other information. But in this case, the airline could not present anything concrete.

What was the airline's defense?

SpiceJet said that all passengers are bound by the terms and conditions of the e-ticket. The delay was due to operational and technical reasons, which were beyond the control of the airline. According to the rules of CAR and CAA, the airline is not responsible in such situations. But the commission rejected these arguments because the airline did not provide any evidence that it had made proper arrangements for the passengers.