In a shocking incident at Srinagar Airport on July 26, an Army officer allegedly assaulted four SpiceJet employees after being informed about his excess cabin baggage. The confrontation resulted in serious injuries, including a spinal fracture to one of the airline staffers.
Baggage Dispute Turns Violent
The conflict began when the Army officer, a passenger scheduled to board SpiceJet flight SG-386 to Delhi, was informed that his cabin baggage weighed 16 kg — more than double the airline’s permitted limit of 7 kg.
According to a statement issued by SpiceJet, the staff politely requested the officer to pay the applicable charges. However, the passenger refused and forcefully entered the aerobridge without completing the mandatory boarding process, violating standard aviation security protocols.
A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official immediately escorted the passenger back to the boarding gate.
Physical Assault at the Gate
SpiceJet reported that the situation escalated at the gate. The passenger allegedly turned aggressive and physically attacked the airline employees using punches, repeated kicks, and even a queue stand.
“One of our staff members suffered a spinal fracture. Another received a forceful kick to the jaw while helping a colleague, resulting in severe bleeding from the nose and mouth,” the airline spokesperson said.
Tragically, one staffer fainted from the assault but was still subjected to further beating while unconscious.
Immediate Medical Attention and Police Action
All injured employees were rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently under treatment for their grievous injuries.
An FIR has been filed with the local police. SpiceJet has taken firm action by initiating the process to place the passenger on the national no-fly list, as per civil aviation norms.
SpiceJet Seeks Ministry’s Intervention
SpiceJet has formally written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, urging strict action against the accused. The airline emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward violence against employees and affirmed that it would pursue all legal and regulatory measures to the fullest extent.
The airline also confirmed that it has secured CCTV footage of the incident from airport authorities and handed it over to the investigating police team.
Strong Condemnation from Airline
SpiceJet issued a strong statement condemning the act of violence:
“We will not tolerate such behavior toward our staff. This incident is not just a violation of aviation norms but an inhumane act that endangered the lives of innocent employees performing their duties.”
The disturbing event raises serious concerns about the safety of airline personnel and calls for stricter enforcement of aviation rules. As the legal process unfolds, the incident underscores the need for zero-tolerance toward in-flight and airport violence, regardless of the passenger’s profile