SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Dubai delayed over 12 hours, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated
The flight, initially scheduled to depart at 11:30 p.m. on August 31, eventually took off at noon on September 1, causing significant inconvenience and distress to passengers.
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Passengers complained that the ground staff was uninformed about the issue and could not provide clear answers regarding the delay. A SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Dubai faced major delays, leaving over 150 passengers stranded at the airport for more than 12 hours. The flight, initially scheduled to depart at 11:30 p.m. on August 31, eventually took off at noon on September 1, causing significant inconvenience and distress to passengers.
Ruhaan Chawla, a 19-year-old student from Mumbai studying in London, was among those affected by the delay in flight SG 13. “The airport ground staff was poorly managed, and we received no clear information about what was happening. All they gave us was a single burger in that duration,” Chawla said.
Passengers reported that the ground staff was uninformed about the issue and could not provide clear answers regarding the delay. Many were left to find alternative ways to reach Dubai, which was particularly problematic for those with pre-planned schedules.
Chhaya Aurangabadwala, a senior citizen from Borivali traveling to Dubai to visit her son, faced a particularly tough experience. Unfamiliar with air travel, she endured the extended delay with little support. “The airport staff was uncooperative, even though I am a senior citizen. I was shivering all night, but the ground staff didn’t even provide a blanket,” she said.
This incident follows another SpiceJet issue just a day earlier. On the night of August 30, a different SpiceJet flight to Dubai was delayed and eventually canceled, leaving passengers frustrated. Despite the inconvenience, the airline offered no compensation, only advising passengers to board the next scheduled flight on August 31. Some passengers had to adjust their plans, while others were left waiting.
Priyanka Pandure, a Dubai resident in Mumbai for a business trip, said “I was supposed to depart for Dubai on August 31 at 2 a.m., I arrived at the airport on the evening of August 30. After multiple delays, the flight was eventually canceled. I had to repeatedly seek updates from the uncooperative staff. I had no place to stay in Mumbai and had to beg for accommodation, which was finally given to me after hours of waiting.”
“My fellow passengers and I spent two nights at the airport without any assistance. We were promised food and other facilities, but other than a single burger nothing was provided. The ground staff treated us poorly. I was frustrated and starving; this was the worst flight experience of my life,” Pandure added.
The delays and resulting complications were reportedly caused by a combination of issues, including a strike by a portion of the cabin crew over unpaid salaries and staff shortages, which led to operational disruptions.
The flight eventually departed at noon on September 1.
A SpiceJet spokesperson told The Indian Express: “On August 31, SpiceJet flight SG 13 from Mumbai to Dubai was delayed due to a technical issue. While the problem was resolved promptly, the operating crew had exceeded their Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), necessitating a crew change, which caused further delays. We sincerely apologize to our passengers for the inconvenience caused.”
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