New Delhi A violent altercation erupted at Srinagar airport on July 26 when a senior Army officer allegedly assaulted multiple SpiceJet staff members after refusing to pay for excess cabin baggage, the airline has confirmed in an official statement. Four employees were physically attacked during the confrontation. One staff member was knocked unconscious, while others sustained serious injuries, including a spinal fracture and jaw trauma.
SpiceJet condemned a violent attack by a senior Army officer on its staff during a boarding dispute at Srinagar airport. It said that the officer, carrying 16 kg of cabin baggage—more than double the permitted 7 kg—refused to pay the excess baggage fee and forcibly entered the aerobridge without completing boarding, violating aviation protocols.
One SpiceJet employee collapsed unconscious on the floor, but the passenger continued kicking and hitting the fainted employee, the airline said. Another staffer 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. All injured employees were hospitalized.
SpiceJet has filed an FIR and is initiating a no-fly ban. It has also written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, calling the assault murderous and requesting action. CCTV footage has been handed over to police. SpiceJet strongly condemns any act of violence against its employees and will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion. An Indian Army official said, This issue has come to the notice of the Indian Army, and we are awaiting the conclusion of the pending investigation. Indian Army is fully committed to maintaining discipline and mutual respect in all civil spaces across the country, added the official.
