In an alarming incident that underscores the need for passenger rights and greater transparency in aviation safety measures, a SpiceJet passenger was stuck in the aircraft’s lavatory for the better part of a flight from Mumbai to Bengaluru. The unnamed 37-year-old software professional suffered physical injuries during the landing of the plane and reported non-availability of immediate medical assistance.
The unexpected and harrowing experience began shortly after the SpiceJet flight took off at 2:10 a.m. on Tuesday. The passenger ventured to the front left toilet soon after, where he found himself trapped due to a malfunctioning door lock. A video emerging from the distressing incident shows the terrified flyer attempting to open the locked door while sitting atop the commode.
Recounting his ordeal to The Times of India, the passenger, who is a resident of the Koramangala area in Bengaluru, said, “I was traumatized, dazed and injured as I was thrown around inside the toilet.” Moreover, when the plane finally landed in Bengaluru, he alleges that there was no medical assistance.
In response to his ordeal, SpiceJet offered an unsatisfactory compensation – a voucher equivalent of $60. The passenger rejected this offer, opting instead to take the case to court. The man has also filed an official complaint against the airline with India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
During his trauma, the trapped passenger still managed to get the attention of the crew members. However, the airline employees could only slide a distressing note under the door, which stated, “Sir we tried our best to open the door, however, we could not. Do not panic. We are landing in a few minutes, so please close the commode lid and sit on it and secure yourself. As soon as the main door is open, an engineer will come.”
Despite expressed assurances from SpiceJet that “immediate medical support” and “assistance and guidance” were given to the passenger upon landing, he recalls a different tale. “During landing, I was thrown around and suffered injuries. It took 20 minutes for someone to start breaking open the door. When I came out I had bruises and my vision was blurred for a while,” he shared. His account reveals a stark neglect of medical attention, claiming that he was handed a bottle of water and a slew of apologies instead of immediate medical attention.
Adding insult to injury, the airline put him in a taxi and sent him home without lodging a formal complaint, despite his explicit request for the same. An unnamed ground employee further corroborated the passenger’s side, terming the landing “horrific” because the trapped passenger had to brace himself atop the toilet commode.
According to SpiceJet, the crew “provided assistance and guidance to the passenger” and an engineer was sent to open the door upon landing. The company has apologized and confirmed offering a full airfare refund to the passenger. A glance at the airline’s website reveals that one-way trips on this route typically cost about $40.
This incident emphasizes the urgent need for robust aviation safety protocols and dignified treatment of passengers. It pits the claims of an aggrieved passenger and the airline’s version against each other, consequently raising questions regarding SpiceJet’s transparency and reliability. The event brings to the fore the fact that the stakes are high for airlines, especially budget ones. They cannot afford mishaps of any kind as it tarnishes their reputation and erodes public trust. As this case heads to court and as the investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation gets underway, it is evident that the public awaits a fair resolution that respects passenger rights and ensures safety for all.
