Passenger concerns rise as Spicejet window panel comes loose during flight
New Delhi – A minor mid-air incident occurred on board SpiceJet flight SG 1080 from Goa to Pune on Tuesday when a cosmetic interior window frame became dislodged during the flight.
According to ANI, the airline confirmed that the component in question was a non-structural trim panel used for shading and did not affect the aircraft’s structural integrity or passenger safety.
“A cosmetic window frame on one of SpiceJet’s Q400 aircraft became loose during flight and was found dislodged. It is important to note that this was a non-structural trim component and did not compromise the safety or integrity of the aircraft in any way,” a SpiceJet spokesperson said.
Cabin pressurisation remained normal throughout the flight, and passengers were not at risk at any point, the airline added. Upon landing in Pune, the window panel was re-secured in line with standard maintenance procedures.
The Q400 aircraft is equipped with multiple window layers, including a pressure-bearing outer pane, which ensures continued cabin safety even if cosmetic fittings are affected.
The incident gained attention after a passenger posted a video on social media platform X, raising concerns about the aircraft’s airworthiness. “#SpiceJet from Goa to Pune today. The whole interior window assembly just fell off mid flight… Wonder if it’s air worthy,” the user wrote, tagging aviation regulator DGCA.
Speaking to The Indian Express, passenger Mandar Sawant said the window panel popped out about 30 minutes after takeoff. “A woman with a baby sitting behind me got scared. Though the outer protective layer was intact, it was still very concerning,” he said.
Cabin crew relocated the woman and her child and attempted to secure the panel back in place. “The stewardess did manage to somewhat get the window back on, but any sudden movement and it probably would have fallen off again,” Sawant added.
The incident comes amid heightened public scrutiny of airline safety following a recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad that claimed nearly 300 lives.
SpiceJet reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and assured that the aircraft's airworthiness was never compromised.
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