Hundreds of passengers on SpiceJet flight SG 41 from Delhi to Kathmandu were left stranded inside the aircraft on Thursday due to a technical snag that caused the air conditioning to fail. Passengers endured sweltering heat, using newspapers and magazines to fan themselves while waiting inside the plane.
The airline confirmed the technical issue and said efforts are underway to resolve it. Passengers were eventually asked to disembark safely. This incident comes amid ongoing unrest in Nepal causing disruptions to flights to Kathmandu, and follows a similar delay on an Air India flight just a day earlier.
Passengers Endure Overheated Cabin and Delays
The aircraft scheduled to depart at 8:10 AM experienced a technical malfunction shortly after taxiing, forcing it back to the parking bay. The air conditioning system stopped working during the delay, turning the cabin into a hotbox. Videos shared widely on social media showed passengers visibly uncomfortable and angry, some fanning themselves with newspapers as cabin temperatures rose.
After waiting for over an hour, passengers were asked to leave the aircraft and wait in a bus nearby while technicians attempted repairs. A SpiceJet spokesperson confirmed the “technical snag” was the reason for the delay and assured that the airline is working to fix the problem as soon as possible.
Flights Amid Nepal Unrest and Operational Challenges
The delay coincides with heightened tensions in Nepal, where Gen Z-led protests have led to significant unrest, including clashes with police and casualties in Kathmandu. As a result, Tribhuvan International Airport recently reopened after several days of closure, prompting airlines like IndiGo to resume services cautiously. SpiceJet temporarily cancelled flights to and from Kathmandu on September 10 citing the situation.
The government’s aviation ministry has coordinated with airlines to arrange additional flights and keep fares reasonable for stranded passengers. Despite these efforts, flight disruptions and passenger distress appear ongoing while security remains tight around the Nepalese capital.
Broader Industry and Regulatory Context
This incident follows a similar technical snag reported on an Air India flight to Singapore the previous night, where over 200 passengers deplaned after enduring two hours with malfunctioning air conditioning and electrical systems.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reviewing operational and maintenance processes amid mounting concerns over passenger safety and complaint handling. Airlines face increased pressure to improve reliability and communication as passengers voice frustration on social media over perceived neglect and poor service.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Passenger safety, dignity, and comfort must remain paramount in air travel, especially during unavoidable technical delays. While technical issues are sometimes unavoidable, recurring malfunctions and poor crisis management expose gaps in airline accountability and respect for travellers.
The Logical Indian urges airlines and regulators to uphold transparency, prompt communication, and humane treatment to minimise distress. Empathy and dialogue should guide responses to passenger grievances.
