India Travel Alert: SpiceJet Flight Horror – Passengers Trapped on Hot Aircraft for Ninty Minutes in Scorching Delay

Published on February 10, 2026

Indian travellers experienced discomfort and disruption when a SpiceJet aircraft bound from Mumbai to Goa was delayed on the ground for more than 90 minutes with air‑conditioning not functioning, prompting vocal criticism from political leaders and scrutiny by regulators. While the specific government press release on this exact incident hasn’t been published on official DGCA or Ministry of Civil Aviation websites, aviation regulators in india — the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) — routinely emphasise passenger safety, timely handling of flight delays, air‑conditioning requirements on ground, and airline accountability under the Aircraft Rules 1937 and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). Under Indian aviation rules, all aircraft must provide adequate ventilation and a safe cabin environment to passengers both on ground and in flight; failure to safeguard these conditions can lead to regulatory action, including show‑cause notices or penalties.

Recently, DGCA has been active in addressing airline operational disruptions and passenger complaints, ordering refunds and compliance actions for large‑scale scheduling failures by carriers. Though not specific to this SpiceJet AC incident, this policy framework provides the government’s stance on passenger rights and airline safety obligations.

What Happened: The Incident Summary

On Monday, SpiceJet flight SG from Mumbai to Goa was significantly delayed on the ground and passengers remained inside the aircraft for over 90 minutes in heat without air‑conditioning, according to a social media post by Shiv Sena (UBT) politician Ambadas Danve. Danve slammed the airline’s crew and operational handling, citing passenger suffering due to excessive cabin temperatures and lack of adequate cooling.

No immediate official airline or regulator press statement has confirmed technical causes, but aviation incidents involving aircraft air‑conditioning failures on the ground often arise due to technical snags, power supply issues at stands, or maintenance sequencing delays before departure clearance. In earlier similar episodes reported in aviation news, airlines acknowledged that AC systems may not fully operate on the ground if external power or auxiliary power units (APUs) are not yet engaged — though carriers are obligated to manage passenger comfort.

Official Government & Regulatory Framework (DGCA/AAI)

Although an explicit official statement from DGCA or MoCA regarding this particular SpiceJet incident has not been published, the broader regulatory environment clearly states that:

• The DGCA monitors airline operations and passenger complaints and can issue show‑cause notices, investigate lapses in service, and enforce passenger rights.
• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) maintains operational standards at airports, including ground handling services which affect boarding and aerobridge utility for AC availability.

Under these rules, airlines are expected to provide basic environmental comfort — including cabin ventilation and temperature control — whenever passengers are boarded before departure.

Travel Angle — What This Means for Tourists

Advantages for Travellers

• Awareness of Passenger Rights: Incidents like this highlight the importance of knowing your rights under Indian aviation law, including compensation, refunds, and complaint escalation procedures.
• Time to Plan Alternatives: When onboard delays occur, travellers often receive advance notifications allowing them to rethink connections or adjust bookings rather than suffer uncertainty.
• Focus on Safety Norms: Increased scrutiny by regulators ensures airlines maintain safety and cabin environmental standards, ultimately benefiting future travellers.

Disadvantages & Travel Risks

• Heat Discomfort & Health Issues: Sitting on a stationary aircraft without air‑conditioning in India’s climate increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and discomfort.
• Flight Delay Consequences: Passengers risk missing connecting flights, tours and reservations if delayed departure disrupts entire travel itineraries.
• Service Expectations: Air travel expectations for comfort make such incidents particularly stark, potentially diminishing passenger confidence in airline reliability.

Regulatory and Political Response

While Danve’s criticism focused on passenger discomfort and perceived operational negligence, official aviation regulators like DGCA take such complaints seriously within their passenger welfare and airline oversight mandates. DGCA has previously intervened when airline service failures caused widespread passenger inconvenience, issuing penalties or directives to resolve complaints swiftly and enforce passenger protection measures.

Conclusion — Travel Safety Versus Operational Shortfalls

This incident, reported from India, underscores the tension between airline operational realities and traveller expectations. Though technical constraints sometimes explain onboard delays or system outages, passengers rightly expect safe and comfortable conditions on ground and in the air. Regulatory frameworks in India empower authorities to investigate and hold airlines accountable when standards fall short, while travellers benefit from heightened awareness of their rights and must prepare for possible disruptions. This episode also reinforces the importance for airlines to communicate transparently with passengers to mitigate discomfort and preserve trust in travel services.