Senior Army officer assaults four SpiceJet staffers at Srinagar airport over baggage issue

SpiceJet has reported that a senior Army officer physically assaulted four of its ground staff at the Srinagar airport on July 26, leading to serious injuries, including a spinal fracture to one employee.

According to the airline, the incident occurred when the officer, who was scheduled to board flight SG-386 to Delhi, was asked to pay for excess cabin baggage. He allegedly reacted violently, hitting the staffers with punches, kicks, and even a queue stand. Video footage circulating on social media captured the assault and showed one staffer being struck with the stand.

“A passenger grievously assaulted four SpiceJet employees at the boarding gate of flight SG-386 from Srinagar to Delhi on July 26, 2025. Our staff members suffered a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries after being attacked with punches, repeated kicks and a queue stand,” SpiceJet said in a statement.

The airline added that one staffer lost consciousness during the attack but was still being assaulted. “Another staff member suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth after receiving a forceful kick to the jaw while bending down to assist the colleague who had fainted,” it further noted.

The passenger, who was reportedly carrying 16 kg of cabin baggage—more than twice the allowed 7 kg—was initially told to pay the excess fee. SpiceJet said, “When politely informed of the excess baggage and asked to pay the applicable charges, the passenger refused and forcefully entered the aerobridge without completing the boarding process – a clear violation of aviation security protocols. He was escorted back to the gate by a CISF official.”

The confrontation escalated once the passenger was brought back to the gate. SpiceJet confirmed that an FIR has been filed with the local police and the process to place the individual on the no-fly list has been initiated as per civil aviation rules.

The airline has also written to the civil aviation ministry detailing the “murderous assault” and requesting action against the officer. CCTV footage has been collected from airport authorities and submitted to the police.

Strongly condemning the violence, the airline stated it would take all necessary legal and regulatory steps: “SpiceJet said it will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion.”

Meanwhile, IndiGo announced a flying ban on a separate passenger who slapped a fellow traveller on a Mumbai-Kolkata flight on Friday.
(With PTI Inputs)