SpiceJet Delhi-Pune flight turns 9-hour ordeal over AC failure claims
Synopsis
A routine two-hour SpiceJet hop from Delhi to Pune spiralled into a nine-hour nightmare, with passengers describing 'gas chamber' conditions and the airline insisting its AC never failed — a direct contradiction that puts India's beleaguered budget carrier back in the spotlight at the worst possible time.
Key Takeaways
SpiceJet's Delhi-Pune flight on 12 August was delayed by nearly nine hours after passengers reported severe heat inside the cabin.
Travellers alleged the aircraft's air conditioning system malfunctioned, with some describing conditions as a 'gas chamber.' Videos showing passengers fanning themselves inside the aircraft circulated widely on social media.
SpiceJet acknowledged a last-minute technical issue but maintained that the AC remained operational throughout , attributing discomfort to prevailing weather conditions.
An alternate aircraft was eventually arranged to operate the Pune service.
The DGCA has not yet publicly indicated whether it will seek a report from the airline.
A SpiceJet flight operating the Delhi-Pune route on Tuesday, 12 August became a nearly nine-hour ordeal for passengers, who alleged that a malfunctioning air conditioning system left the cabin unbearably hot before the airline finally arranged a replacement aircraft. The flight was originally scheduled to depart from Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport at 9:45 pm and was later pushed to 10:30 pm.
What Passengers Experienced
After boarding, travellers reported a rapid rise in cabin temperature and inadequate cooling, with some describing conditions inside the aircraft as akin to a 'gas chamber.' Videos that circulated on social media showed passengers standing in the aisles and fanning themselves in an attempt to manage the heat. Travellers also claimed they experienced suffocation-like conditions during the prolonged wait on board.
The discomfort reportedly persisted for an extended period, stretching what should have been a two-hour-and-10-minute journey into a wait of close to nine hours before an alternate aircraft was arranged. The exact number of passengers affected could not be immediately confirmed.
SpiceJet's Response
On Wednesday, SpiceJet acknowledged that the flight had encountered a last-minute technical issue, and said an alternate aircraft was arranged to operate the Pune service once the problem was identified. However, the airline disputed the passengers' core complaint about the air conditioning.
'The air conditioning remained operational throughout. Due to prevailing weather conditions in Delhi, some passengers may have experienced discomfort,' a SpiceJet spokesperson said in a statement. The airline also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.
Conflicting Accounts
Sources familiar with the matter, however, said a large number of passengers faced significant heat-related distress inside the aircraft, with the problems reportedly linked to the air conditioning system — directly contradicting the airline's position. This gap between the airline's official version and passenger accounts remains unresolved.
Notably, this incident comes at a time when Indian aviation regulators have been closely monitoring airline operational standards and passenger grievance redressal mechanisms. SpiceJet, which has faced financial turbulence and regulatory scrutiny in recent years, is under particular pressure to demonstrate service reliability.
What Happens Next
It is not yet known whether the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will take cognisance of the incident or seek a report from the airline. Passengers who experienced the ordeal have not publicly indicated whether they intend to seek formal compensation. The airline has not detailed any remedial measures beyond the expression of regret.
Point of View
A viral cabin-heat episode is reputational damage it can ill afford. The deeper issue is systemic: Indian aviation's passenger grievance framework remains reactive, with the DGCA typically stepping in only after media pressure rather than through proactive monitoring. Until airlines face swift, proportionate consequences for comfort and safety failures, the incentive to under-report technical issues will persist.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on the SpiceJet Delhi-Pune flight on 12 August?
A SpiceJet flight scheduled to depart Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 9:45 pm on 12 August was delayed and, after boarding, passengers alleged the cabin became dangerously hot due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system. The ordeal lasted nearly nine hours before an alternate aircraft was arranged to complete the Pune service.
What did SpiceJet say about the incident?
SpiceJet acknowledged a last-minute technical issue but maintained that the aircraft's air conditioning remained operational throughout the incident. The airline attributed passenger discomfort to prevailing weather conditions in Delhi and expressed regret for the inconvenience.
How did passengers describe the conditions inside the aircraft?
Passengers described the cabin as akin to a 'gas chamber,' reporting suffocation-like heat and inadequate cooling. Videos circulating on social media showed travellers standing in the aisles and fanning themselves to cope with the temperature.
Will the DGCA investigate the SpiceJet flight incident?
As of the latest available information, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not publicly indicated whether it will seek a formal report from SpiceJet over this incident. Regulatory action, if any, is yet to be announced.
What is SpiceJet's recent track record with operational issues?
SpiceJet has faced recurring scrutiny over operational reliability, financial challenges, and regulatory oversight in recent years. This latest incident adds to a pattern of passenger complaints that have periodically attracted attention from aviation authorities and the travelling public.
