Mumbai: Passengers aboard a SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Gorakhpur were left frustrated and distressed after the airline cancelled their flight shortly before its scheduled departure on November 1, 2026. Videos showing passengers shouting, children crying and confusion inside the aircraft have gone viral on social media, triggering criticism of the airline’s handling of the situation.
The flight, identified as SG553, was scheduled to operate from Mumbai to Gorakhpur. Passengers had reportedly boarded the aircraft and were preparing for departure when they were informed that the flight had been cancelled.
Viral Video Shows Passengers In Distress
A video shared on social media by passenger Vijay Lakshmi Mallya captured the tense atmosphere inside the aircraft following the cancellation announcement.
Several passengers were seen expressing their frustration, while children could be heard crying amid the confusion. Travellers questioned the sudden decision and demanded explanations from airline representatives.
In the video, the passenger alleged that the pilot and crew members left after announcing the cancellation, leaving travellers concerned about the situation and their onward travel arrangements.
The footage quickly gained attention online, with users questioning why passengers were allowed to board if the flight could not operate as scheduled.
Why Was SpiceJet Flight SG553 Cancelled?
SpiceJet subsequently issued a statement explaining the reason behind the cancellation.
According to the airline, flight SG553 was cancelled due to watch-hour restrictions at Gorakhpur Airport. The airport operates as a defence airport, and its operating hours could not be extended beyond 9 PM.
The airline stated that the restriction prevented the scheduled flight from operating as planned on November 1.
SpiceJet said it regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers and confirmed that an additional commercial flight would be arranged to transport the affected travellers.
Passengers Question Why They Were Allowed To Board
While SpiceJet cited airport operating restrictions as the reason for the cancellation, passengers raised concerns about the timing of the announcement.
An affected traveller alleged that the flight’s departure schedule had been changed multiple times before passengers were eventually allowed to board.
According to the passenger, travellers completed the boarding process, received safety instructions and remained seated inside the aircraft for nearly an hour before being informed about the cancellation.
She questioned why the airline proceeded with boarding despite the reported restrictions on operations at Gorakhpur Airport.
The passenger also demanded accountability and called for an investigation into how the situation was handled.
These allegations have not been independently verified.
SpiceJet Arranges Additional Flight For Stranded Passengers
Following the cancellation, SpiceJet announced that an additional commercial flight would operate on November 2 to accommodate passengers who could not travel on the original service.
The airline expressed regret over the disruption and said the alternative arrangement was intended to help affected travellers reach their destination.
However, the announcement did not immediately resolve questions raised by passengers regarding communication, boarding procedures and assistance following the last-minute cancellation.
Incident Raises Questions About Passenger Rights
The incident has once again highlighted concerns about airline communication and passenger assistance during unexpected flight cancellations.
Passengers affected by airline-initiated cancellations may be entitled to alternative flights or refunds, depending on the circumstances and applicable Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations.
SpiceJet’s published passenger-rights policy also provides for alternative travel arrangements or refunds in specified cancellation situations.
The incident involving flight SG553 has sparked a wider discussion about the importance of timely information, transparent communication and proper assistance, particularly when passengers have already boarded an aircraft.
As videos of the incident continue circulating online, travellers are demanding better handling of flight disruptions and greater accountability from airlines.
