SpiceJet Delhi-Pune flight: Over 100 passengers refuse to fly after AC failure leaves cabin hot

More than 100 passengers on a SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Pune refused to proceed with their journey after an air-conditioning fault left the cabin sweltering, according to reports. The flight, scheduled to take off at 9:30 pm on Tuesday night, experienced a two-hour delay before ultimately departing at 11:30 pm. One passenger, quoted by The Times of India, explained that they noticed the aircraft was unusually hot and humid when they took their seats.

Despite many passengers remaining patient, assuming the AC would be activated before taxiing, it remained non-functional even after the aircraft began moving on the runway. Several passengers began feeling unwell, particularly women who were pregnant or struggling with the heat. When cabin crew members were asked to switch on the AC, they reportedly instructed passengers to stay seated and remain quiet.

Angered by the lack of resolution, some passengers left their seats and demanded the aircraft be brought to a halt, requesting the doors be opened. The plane returned to its boarding gate, allowing passengers to disembark. Some female passengers had to be escorted to the terminal in wheelchairs due to dizziness and illness. SpiceJet acknowledged a technical issue caused the delay and later assured passengers an alternate aircraft was provided. A new flight was scheduled for the following morning, arriving in Pune at 7 AM.