Passengers travelling from Mumbai to Gorakhpur were left stranded on Sunday, November 1, after a SpiceJet flight was cancelled shortly before its scheduled departure, triggering confusion and anger at the airport.
Videos shared on social media showed passengers raising their voices, children crying and travellers struggling to get information about their onward journey.
SpiceJet flight SG553 was cancelled due to operational restrictions at Gorakhpur airport, the airline said. It cited the airport’s limited operating hours and said an extension beyond 9 pm was not possible. The airline also announced that an additional commercial flight would be operated on November 2 to accommodate the affected passengers.
The cancellation drew further criticism after a passenger, Vijay Lakshmi Mallya, shared a video questioning the airline’s handling of the situation, particularly why passengers were allowed to board before being informed about the cancellation.
Video captures passenger unrest after cancellation
The video, which has since circulated on social media, showed passengers visibly distressed following the announcement. Several could be heard expressing anger and demanding answers from the airline staff.
In the recording, Mallya alleged that the pilot and cabin crew left after informing passengers about the cancellation, adding to the confusion inside the aircraft.
“All the crew members and the pilot left after announcing. The passengers are getting panicked, this is the condition. This is SpiceJet 335. This is insane and something against which a case should be filed,” she said.
The footage also showed passengers reacting to the sudden disruption, with many questioning the lack of clarity over alternative arrangements.
Why was the SpiceJet flight cancelled?
In a statement, SpiceJet attributed the cancellation to watch-hour restrictions at Gorakhpur airport.
The airline said, “On November 01, 2026, SpiceJet flight SG553 scheduled to operate from Mumbai to Gorakhpur was cancelled due to watch hour restrictions at Gorakhpur.
As Gorakhpur is a defence airport, the watch hour extension was not possible beyond 9:00 pm.”
The airline further said an additional commercial flight had been scheduled for November 2 to transport the stranded passengers. It also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused.
Passenger questions timing of cancellation announcement
While the airline cited airport restrictions, an affected passenger questioned why boarding had been allowed to proceed if the timing constraints were already known.
In a social media post, the passenger claimed that the departure time had been revised several times before passengers were asked to board. She alleged that travellers had completed the safety briefing and remained seated inside the aircraft for nearly an hour before the cancellation was announced.
She also questioned how the airline had planned to operate the flight within the airport’s permitted hours and demanded accountability from the carrier.
These allegations have not been independently verified.
Social media users criticise airline’s handling
The video and the passenger’s account prompted reactions on social media, with users questioning the airline’s communication with passengers and the arrangements made following the cancellation.
Several users also raised concerns over compensation, alternative travel options and the assistance provided to stranded travellers.
Although SpiceJet has cited airport operating restrictions as the reason for cancelling the flight, the timing of the announcement and the handling of passengers have emerged as key points of criticism.