Passengers aboard two SpiceJet flights bound for Dubai erupted in frustration after the airline delayed their departures by 24 hours, prompting a vocal protest inside the terminal that quickly spread across social media platforms. Travellers took to X — formerly Twitter — posting screenshots of their cancelled and rescheduled itineraries alongside the hashtag "SpiceJet chor hai," which translates to "SpiceJet is a thief," expressing anger over the inconvenience and perceived lack of accountability.
The delay affected thousands of passengers, many of whom had made advance plans around the original timings, including connecting flights, hotel bookings, and work commitments. Passengers reportedly gathered at the check-in counters, demanding refunds or alternate travel arrangements through other carriers. Airline staff were seen managing agitated crowds as rebooking options were limited due to SpiceJet's already strained fleet capacity.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern for the low-cost carrier. Over the past two years, SpiceJet has faced mounting financial difficulties, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) temporarily grounding most of its fleet in March 2024 before allowing a phased restart under strict conditions. The airline has repeatedly struggled with on-time performance, flight cancellations, and poor passenger grievance redressal, drawing criticism from both regulators and consumer forums.
Aviation analysts note that the Delhi-Mumbai-Dubai corridor is one of India's busiest air routes, carrying a large volume of expatriate and business travellers. A disruption of this scale draws immediate public attention and intensifies scrutiny on how smaller carriers manage operations during financial stress.
As of now, SpiceJet has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the specific delays, though the airline has previously cited operational constraints and crew scheduling issues for past disruptions. Passengers affected by the Dubai flight delays are now seeking compensation and clear communication from the airline.
