SpiceJet Dubai passengers awaiting information at Pune airport
Pune: More than 100 flyers bound for Dubai were left stranded at the Pune airport for over 20 hours as SpiceJet’s flight SG-51 was repeatedly delayed and rescheduled. The airline first rescheduled the flight from 9pm to 12.40 am, then to 2.40 am, and again to 5.20 am. They later confirmed that the flight would leave at 11.40 am, and we reached the airport accordingly. Shortly before the new departure time, we were told it had been delayed again and would leave at 12.30 pm,” Khanduja told TOI. After they approached airport authorities, they were provided tea, water and biscuits around 3.30 pm. Sources in the airline said that the Delhi–Pune flight (SG-939) developed a technical problem on Thursday, which affected its operation. The Delhi–Pune flight, scheduled to depart at 4.55 pm. on Thursday, was repeatedly rescheduled before being cancelled around 1am on Friday. Khanduja said boarding finally began around 5.30 pm. SG-51 departed at 6.05 pm on Friday and was expected to reach Dubai at about 7.30 pm, according to Flightradar24.
Khanduja said the altercations continued as the departure time kept changing. Around noon, passengers were told the flight would leave at 3pm. By then, we were told the flight would leave after 5pm and that an aircraft from Mumbai was on its way to operate the Dubai service,” he said. Flyer Kartik Joshi said he and his wife were left stranded in Delhi for hours. I fail to understand why the DGCA does not act against the airline,” he said.
“The airline took no responsibility. In a recent statement, SpiceJet had attributed frequent delays on the Dubai route to multiple operational reasons, including air traffic congestion at the Dubai airport. Dubai airport authorities were also contacted for confirmation, and an answer was awaited. Sources added Friday’s Pune–Dubai flight was also expected to be delayed. “It has been a nightmare.
“I reached the airport around 8am on Friday. However, many passengers, especially construction workers, had been at the airport since 6pm on Thursday.
The flight was scheduled to depart from Pune at 9pm on Thursday and reach Dubai at 10.55 pm. Instead, passengers endured a series of revised departure times before finally boarding around 5.30pm on Friday.
Prabhat Road resident and businessman Gurveen Khanduja, who was travelling with his wife, described the experience as “agonising”, particularly for the construction workers among the passengers who had little money to arrange alternative travel or even buy food during the prolonged wait. Passengers alleged that the airline’s ground staff offered minimal information or assistance.
Passenger Frustration Grows Amid Airline Delay
Passengers at an airport have expressed their outrage following a significant delay caused by an airline’s operational issues. Videos circulating on social media depict travelers confronting ground staff, demanding answers regarding the situation. One passenger was recorded asking, “How can you do this to us? Why can’t you arrange another aircraft?”.
Concerns escalated as passengers claimed that the airline failed to provide food or beverages during the extended wait. Many expressed financial distress, with one stating, “We are construction workers and don’t have money with us. How can you expect us to buy food costing Rs400 to Rs500?” The urgency of their situation was compounded by the looming expiration of visas for those needing to reach Dubai.
Overall, the lack of communication from the airline has heightened frustration among those affected, many of whom are seeking immediate clarity on their travel arrangements.