Pune: Over 150 passengers aboard SpiceJet’s SG-184 flight from Goa to Pune were left disgruntled on Wednesday after enduring an arduous delay of eight hours.
The prolonged wait, attributed to multiple rescheduling, elicited frustration among passengers who had anticipated a smooth travel experience. Initially scheduled for departure from Manohar International Airport in Goa at 2:00 PM, passengers were confronted with successive delays, culminating in the aircraft’s eventual take-off at 11:00 PM. While the airline cited maintenance requirements as the reason behind the delay, passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of timely communication and the inconveniences faced as a result.
Despite claims by the airline that passengers were informed in advance of the rescheduling, many travellers asserted that they were left with no recourse but to adhere to their original plans, including hotel check-out schedules. This predicament left passengers grappling with additional expenses and logistical challenges, exacerbating the frustrations stemming from the prolonged delay.
One passenger lamented the inconvenience caused by the lack of clarity surrounding the flight’s departure time, highlighting the inadequacy of communication channels in mitigating passenger concerns. The absence of timely updates compounded the uncertainty faced by travellers, underscoring the importance of transparent communication in managing passenger expectations during such disruptions.
While awaiting an official response from SpiceJet, sources from the airline indicated that notifications regarding revised departure times were communicated to passengers. However, discrepancies between the communicated and actual departure times contributed to the passengers’ sense of disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the overall handling of the situation.
The incident underscores the imperative for airlines to prioritise effective communication and contingency planning to mitigate the impact of flight delays on passenger experience. Proactive measures, including timely updates and assistance with alternative arrangements, are essential to uphold customer satisfaction and trust in airline services. As passengers navigate the challenges of air travel, ensuring transparency and responsiveness in addressing disruptions remains paramount to fostering positive passenger outcomes.
