SpiceJet Ordered to Pay ₹60K Compensation To Passenger for Inconvenience Caused by Flight Diversion

Jharsuguda: A district consumer court in Odisha’s Jharsuguda has directed SpiceJet to compensate a passenger ₹60,000 for the inconvenience caused due to a diverted flight which resulted in the passenger missing his connecting train.

The District Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum issued the order in favour of the former Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Jharsuguda, Nirmal Mohapatra. Mohapatra filed a case against SpiceJet alleging poor service and irregularities in their operations.

Mohapatra had booked SpiceJet tickets for a family trip to Assam in November 2021. While returning on a flight from Bagdogra to Kolkata, the aircraft was diverted to Guwahati to pick up a passenger who was left behind, without informing passengers beforehand. This resulted in a significant delay, causing Mohapatra to miss his connecting train to Jharsuguda. He was forced to hire a taxi, incurring additional expenses. The extended travel time also reportedly caused illness to his wife and son.

The court acknowledged the inconvenience caused by SpiceJet’s “faulty coordination” and awarded ₹50,000 compensation to the passenger. Additionally, Mohapatra received ₹10,000 to cover the costs associated with filing the case.