Mumbai, June 4: Scores of passengers arriving in Mumbai from Srinagar on Thursday alleged severe inconvenience and mismanagement after their checked-in baggage failed to arrive with the flight, leaving many stranded without medicines, baby food and other essential belongings.
Passengers said the SpiceJet flight SG-487, scheduled to depart Srinagar at 10:35 a.m. for Mumbai via Jammu, was delayed and eventually took off around 11:45 a.m. The aircraft reportedly remained at Jammu Airport for nearly an hour before proceeding to Mumbai.
The real shock, however, came after passengers landed in Mumbai.
According to multiple passengers, they were informed that their checked-in baggage had not arrived and had allegedly been left behind at Srinagar Airport.
The announcement triggered protests and angry exchanges at the airport as frustrated travelers sought answers from airline officials.
Among the affected passengers was Aasiya Farooq, who told Kashmir News Trust that the situation had caused immense hardship to families and elderly travelers.
“We waited for our luggage at the conveyor belt, but nothing came. Later we were told the baggage had been left behind. Many passengers had medicines, baby food and important personal items in their bags. Nobody was giving a clear answer,” she said.
Several passengers alleged that airline representatives failed to provide timely information and instead advised them to revisit the airport late at night in the hope that the baggage might arrive on a subsequent flight.
“We have already spent an entire day travelling. Now we are being told to come back around midnight because the baggage may reach later. This is unacceptable,” another passenger said.
Travelers questioned how an aircraft could depart without carrying checked-in baggage belonging to passengers who had completed all formalities at Srinagar Airport.
Parents travelling with young children expressed particular concern over the absence of baby food, clothing and other essentials packed in checked-in bags.
Some passengers also reported difficulties in accessing medicines required for ongoing treatment.
The incident comes amid growing complaints from Haj pilgrims and other travelers regarding baggage-related issues at airports in recent days, raising concerns about handling and coordination mechanisms.
Passengers demanded an explanation from the airline and sought immediate delivery of their baggage, describing the episode as a complete breakdown in passenger service and travel management.
As of Thursday evening, several affected passengers said they were still awaiting confirmation regarding the arrival and delivery of their luggage. [KNT]
