Diwali Vacation in Limbo: Multiple SpiceJet Flights Cancelled from Ahmedabad Airport

Ahmedabad: Several SpiceJet flights from Ahmedabad Airport faced cancellations and significant delays on Saturday, November 7, leaving passengers stranded and disrupting their Diwali vacation plans. Travellers heading to Kerala, Patna and Bagdogra alleged that the airline failed to provide timely information about flight disruptions, forcing families to wait for hours without clarity on their travel arrangements, alternative flights or refunds.

Passengers, including Dr Kaival Shah and several families, claimed that their bookings appeared confirmed earlier and that they learnt about cancellations or delays only after reaching the airport. The sudden disruptions reportedly left travellers scrambling for alternatives during the peak festive travel period.

Passengers confront SpiceJet staff over delays, lack of accountability

Videos from Ahmedabad Airport showed frustrated passengers confronting SpiceJet employees over delayed flights, the absence of senior officials and a lack of clear communication. During an interaction, an employee identified as Ajay reportedly assured passengers that the Bagdogra flight would not be cancelled and was arriving from Delhi, while attributing the delay to operational reasons.

Passengers, however, questioned why no prior notification had been issued and demanded clarity on the revised departure time. They alleged that airline staff repeatedly referred them to other employees without providing a definitive solution or bringing a senior manager to address their concerns.

Several travellers demanded the presence of an accountable senior official or nodal officer who could arrange alternative flights, explain the disruptions and take responsibility for resolving passenger grievances. Some passengers also claimed that the airline had been facing repeated delays and cancellations over the preceding week.

Passengers demand refreshments, seating arrangements amid prolonged waiting

The disruption also triggered complaints over the absence of basic passenger facilities during extended delays. Travellers demanded refreshments and adequate seating arrangements, citing provisions under aviation passenger rights applicable to prolonged delays.

Passengers questioned the airline’s failure to provide refreshments and assistance while families, including those travelling with children, waited at the airport. They also referred to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) passenger facilitation norms and demanded immediate assistance.

Alternative tickets reportedly cost up to Rs 28,000

Passengers further alleged that alternative flights were becoming prohibitively expensive, with one traveller claiming that a replacement ticket was available for around Rs 28,000. Several passengers said that booking another airline during the festive rush could cost three to four times their original ticket prices.

Meanwhile, uncertainty over refunds and the absence of clear communication from SpiceJet reportedly aggravated the situation. Travellers said the disruptions had effectively jeopardised their limited holiday time, with some families having only a few days available for their vacations.

Airline’s financial difficulties raised by passengers

During the heated exchanges, some passengers also raised concerns about alleged salary payment delays within SpiceJet and questioned whether financial and operational difficulties were contributing to recurring disruptions. These claims were made by passengers during conversations with airline employees and have not been independently verified.

The passengers also alleged that flights to other destinations, including Dubai, had faced cancellations previously, and demanded explanations regarding the airline’s operational reliability.

The disruption has raised concerns over passenger communication, service standards and accountability during the peak festive travel season. The official reasons behind the cancellations and delays, the extent of the disruption, and SpiceJet’s response to the allegations remain awaited. DeshGujarat