Flight SG 18 from Dubai to Kochi was grounded before takeoff, leaving passengers trapped inside the cabin without air conditioning for nearly four hours.
DUBAI, July 3: A Kochi-bound SpiceJet flight from Dubai International Airport was delayed for several hours on Friday after developing a technical snag just before takeoff. Passengers experienced severe discomfort as they were reportedly kept inside the aircraft for nearly four hours without air conditioning.
SpiceJet flight SG 18, scheduled to operate from Dubai to Kochi, Kerala, was grounded following a technical malfunction detected prior to departure. The incident triggered strong protests from passengers who were forced to remain inside the stationary aircraft amid stifling heat due to a failure in the cabin’s air conditioning system.
According to passengers on board, the flight was scheduled for an early morning departure. However, the aircraft remained on the tarmac for approximately four hours as technicians attempted to rectify the issue. During this period, the air conditioning system remained non-functional, causing several travelers, including children and elderly passengers, to experience breathing difficulties and exhaustion.
Following intense protests from the stranded flyers, airline authorities finally permitted them to deboard the aircraft and escorted them back to the airport terminal. SpiceJet ground staff later initiated alternative arrangements to facilitate the passengers’ journey to Kochi.
