A disturbing incident unfolded at Srinagar Airport on July 26, 2025, when a senior Army official allegedly launched a violent assault on four SpiceJet employees over a dispute regarding excess cabin baggage. The altercation, which occurred before boarding flight SG 386 to Delhi, left staff members with severe injuries, including spinal fractures and broken jaws, sparking outrage and calls for stricter accountability.
Details of the Assault
Army Officer Assaults SpiceJet Staff at Srinagar Airport
The trouble began when the officer, carrying two pieces of cabin baggage totaling 16 kg—more than double the airline’s 7 kg limit—was politely asked to pay the applicable excess baggage fee. Refusing to comply, he forcefully attempted to enter the aerobridge, breaching aviation security protocols. A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official escorted him back to the gate, where the situation escalated. The officer allegedly attacked the SpiceJet ground staff with punches, repeated kicks, and a queue stand, leaving one employee unconscious and another bleeding from the nose and mouth after a forceful kick to the jaw while aiding a colleague.
'Jaw broken, spine injured': #SpiceJet staff attacked by Army official at #Srinagar airport
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) August 3, 2025
Details here 🔗https://t.co/C9rkxGILI7 pic.twitter.com/Y2qDXHTDci
A SpiceJet spokesperson described the incident as a “murderous assault,” noting that the injured employees were rushed to a hospital and remain under treatment for their grievous injuries. “One staff member collapsed unconscious, yet the passenger continued the attack,” the spokesperson added, highlighting the brutality of the encounter.
Airline’s Response and Legal Action
SpiceJet has taken swift action, filing a First Information Report (FIR) with local police and submitting CCTV footage of the incident to authorities. The airline has also written to the aviation ministry, urging appropriate measures against the officer, and has initiated steps to add him to the no-fly list. “We strongly condemn any act of violence against our employees and will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion,” the spokesperson emphasized. CISF personnel intervened promptly, managing the situation to ensure flight operations continued without further disruption.
Context and Implications
This incident has reignited debates about passenger behavior and security at Indian airports. Posts found on X reflect widespread shock, with users condemning the officer’s actions and praising SpiceJet’s response. The airline’s decision to involve the ministry underscores the seriousness of the assault, which could set a precedent for handling similar cases. Aviation experts suggest that such incidents highlight the need for enhanced training for ground staff to de-escalate conflicts and better enforcement of baggage rules.
Srinagar Airport, a key hub in Jammu and Kashmir, has faced challenges recently. Following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists, air traffic dropped to 30-40% of pre-incident levels, according to The Tribune. This assault adds another layer of complexity to the region’s aviation safety concerns, especially amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, which led to temporary airport closures in May 2025 during Operation Sindoor.
Broader Aviation Safety Issues
SpiceJet has faced scrutiny before. In January 2024, a passenger was trapped in a Mumbai-Bengaluru flight toilet for 100 minutes without medical aid, prompting legal threats. In May 2022, severe turbulence on a Mumbai-Durgapur flight injured 12 passengers, and in July 2025, two passengers attempted to enter a cockpit on a Delhi-Mumbai flight, leading to their removal. These incidents point to recurring safety and service challenges, though the Srinagar case stands out for its violence.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is likely to investigate, given the involvement of a senior official and the severity of the injuries. Airlines typically allow 7-10 kg of cabin baggage, with fees for excess ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,000 depending on weight and route. Non-compliance often leads to gate checks, but physical altercations are rare and typically involve verbal disputes rather than violence.
Impact on Staff and Public Sentiment
The injured employees’ conditions remain critical, with spinal fractures and jaw injuries requiring extended recovery. This has raised concerns about staff safety, especially at regional airports like Srinagar, where security personnel are stretched thin. Posts found on X show public support for the staff, with calls for the officer’s suspension and stricter penalties. The incident could also deter tourism, already fragile post-Pahalgam, as travelers reassess safety perceptions.
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