New Delhi: Passengers aboard a SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Darbhanga faced discomfort due to insufficient air conditioning during a severe heatwave, as revealed by a video shared by news agency ANI on X. The footage captured passengers sweating and visibly distressed, fanning themselves with flight brochures to cope with the heat inside the full-capacity aircraft.
The video has sparked concerns about passenger safety and comfort during extreme weather conditions. SpiceJet responded to the incident, denying allegations of prolonged air conditioning failure. The airline acknowledged a “slight inefficiency” in the air conditioning system initially, attributing it to the extreme heat and the fact that both aircraft doors were open during boarding. A SpiceJet spokesperson provided a detailed statement aiming to clarify the situation and address passenger concerns. “SpiceJet flight SG 476 from Delhi to Darbhanga on June 19, scheduled to depart at 11 am, departed on time without any delays. The air conditioning was working normally throughout the flight, which was verified and cross-checked upon arrival in Darbhanga. The same aircraft operated the return flight to Delhi, and there were no issues with the air conditioning on the return flight either,” the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson further elaborated on the minor air conditioning flaw experienced during boarding in Delhi. “During boarding in Delhi, the air conditioning initially experienced slight inefficiency due to extreme weather conditions and both doors of the aircraft being open, as boarding was not via the aerobridge. The doors were promptly closed after boarding completion, and the cooling functioned normally thereafter,” the spokesperson added. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges airlines face in maintaining passenger comfort amidst extreme weather conditions. It also highlights the need for robust contingency plans to manage such situations effectively. As temperatures soar, ensuring efficient air conditioning systems in aircraft becomes crucial for passenger safety and comfort.
