CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: SpiceJet Mumbai-Gorakhpur flight cancelled, passengers spend night near aircraft
Mumbai. Passengers faced severe inconvenience after SpiceJet’s Mumbai-to-Gorakhpur flight SG553 was suddenly cancelled. Following the incident on the night of November 1, several passengers had to spend the night on the open tarmac near the aircraft at Mumbai airport. After videos of the incident went viral on social media, questions began being raised over the airline’s arrangements and the facilities provided to passengers.
Videos shared by passengers showed a chaotic situation at the airport. Some children were seen crying, while other passengers were seen expressing anger over the sudden cancellation of the flight. Passengers alleged that the flight timings were changed several times. They said they were then allowed to board the aircraft and security-related procedures were also completed, but about an hour later they were informed that the flight had been cancelled. Passengers questioned why boarding was permitted if the aircraft could not reach Gorakhpur within the stipulated time.
In its statement, SpiceJet said flight SG553 had to be cancelled on November 1 due to operational time restrictions at Gorakhpur airport. According to the airline, Gorakhpur is a defence airfield where permission to extend operational hours beyond 9 pm could not be obtained.
The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and said an additional flight was arranged on November 2 to take the stranded passengers to their destination.
However, the incident has raised questions about timely communication to passengers in the event of a flight cancellation, the availability of alternative arrangements and attention to passenger facilities.
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