Four SpiceJet ground staff suffered serious injuries, including a spinal fracture and a broken jaw, after an Army officer allegedly assaulted them during a confrontation over excess cabin baggage at Srinagar airport, the airline said.
The incident occurred when the officer, preparing to board a flight to Delhi, attempted to carry 16 kilograms of cabin luggage—well above the domestic limit of 7 kg. SpiceJet staff reportedly informed him that additional charges would apply.
“When politely informed of the excess baggage and asked to pay the applicable charges, the passenger refused and forcefully entered the aerobridge without completing the boarding process — a clear violation of aviation security protocols. He was escorted back to the gate by a CISF official,” SpiceJet said in a statement.
What followed was a violent altercation at the boarding gate.
“Our staff members suffered a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries after being attacked with punches, repeated kicks and a queue stand,” the airline stated.
One employee reportedly collapsed unconscious during the attack and continued to be kicked. Another was injured while attempting to help the unconscious colleague, sustaining facial injuries and bleeding from the nose and mouth.
The injured personnel were taken to a hospital and remain under treatment, it added.
Video footage circulating online shows the officer striking employees with a check-in information board as CISF personnel attempt to intervene.
‘Murderous Assault’
SpiceJet said it filed a police complaint and initiated the process to place the passenger on a no-fly list. The airline has also written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, urging action against what it described as a “murderous assault.”
“SpiceJet strongly condemns any act of violence against its employees and will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion,” the statement added.
The CISF confirmed it intervened to contain the situation and ensured that flight operations were not disrupted.
Senior Army officials told CNN-News18 that they have taken note of the incident and assured full cooperation with the investigation.