Mumbai, April 14: Chaos and frustration broke out among passengers at the Mumbai airport on Monday after SpiceJet flight SG 944, bound for Srinagar with 192 passengers on board, was abruptly cancelled after passengers had already boarded the aircraft.
Passengers, many of whom were tourists with pre-booked hotel and tour reservations in Srinagar, were de-boarded shortly after boarding.
Airline officials cited a “technical issue” as the reason for the last-minute cancellation.
“We boarded the flight thinking we were on our way to Kashmir, but minutes later they told us there was a technical fault and the flight stood cancelled,” said one of the agitated passengers. “We’ve spent thousands of rupees on advance hotel bookings and transport in Srinagar. Who will compensate us now?”
Several families and elderly passengers were seen arguing with ground staff, demanding immediate alternative arrangements or refunds. Many claimed that the airline did not offer any timely explanation or assistance following the announcement. “We were not even offered a cup of water,” they said
The incident has left dozens of tourists stranded in Mumbai, with many expressing outrage over the inconvenience and financial loss. As of now, SpiceJet has not issued any formal statement on rescheduling or compensation.
This cancellation comes at a time when the Kashmir Valley is witnessing a tourist influx during the spring bloom season, especially around Tulip Garden visits and scenic getaways, making timely arrivals crucial for visitors.