Cockpit chaos: Unruly passenger fight disrupts SpiceJet flight, forces return to gate

New Delhi: A SpiceJet flight (SG 9282) from Delhi to Mumbai was forced to abort takeoff on Monday after two female passengers began arguing and attempted to approach the cockpit while the aircraft was taxiing.

According to media reports, their disruptive behaviour caused alarm among crew members and fellow passengers.

Despite repeated requests from the cabin crew, co-passengers, and even the captain via an onboard announcement, the two women refused to return to their seats.

“In the interest of safety, the captain decided to return to the terminal and offload the two unruly passengers,” a SpiceJet spokesperson told The Times of India.

The women were handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) once the plane returned to the terminal.

In June, India’s aviation safety regulator raised concerns about airline operators failing to report incidents involving unruly passengers within the stipulated timelines.

Several recent cases of in-flight misconduct—ranging from verbal abuse to physical violence—have gone unreported or were reported late, compromising passenger safety.

As per existing rules, airlines are required to report such incidents within 12 hours of landing and submit detailed documentation within 24 hours. Authorities, however, noted that compliance continues to be poor despite multiple advisories.

The regulator’s warning comes amid a rise in disruptive passenger behaviour, including intoxication, harassment, and threats to flight safety. Misconduct is classified under three levels, each carrying penalties from temporary bans to inclusion on no-fly lists.

Experts are urging stricter penalties for airlines that fail to comply with reporting norms, stressing that delays in action could normalise such dangerous behaviour and erode trust in aviation safety.