Indian Army Officer Added to SpiceJet No-Fly List After Alleged Srinagar Airport Incident

August 26, 2025

Army Officer Added to SpiceJet’s No-Fly List After Airport Assault

Srinagar, Kashmir – A Senior Indian Army officer has been placed on SpiceJet’s no-fly list for five years after being accused of physically assaulting multiple airline employees at Srinagar Airport on July 26th. The incident, which occurred at the boarding gate for flight SG 386 destined for Delhi, is currently under inquiry.

Dispute Over Baggage Allegedly Triggered Attack

The confrontation began due to a disagreement regarding excess baggage allowances. The Officer was reportedly carrying two pieces of cabin baggage totaling 16 kilograms,exceeding the airline’s 7 kg limit. When informed of the additional charges,the Officer allegedly refused to comply and attempted to board the aircraft,violating aviation security protocols. A Central Industrial security Force (CISF) official intervened and escorted him back to the gate.

Severe Injuries Reported Among Airline Staff

According to SpiceJet representatives, the situation escalated rapidly at the gate, resulting in a physical attack on four ground staff members. Reports indicate that one employee suffered a spinal fracture, while another sustained bleeding from the nose and mouth after being kicked in the jaw while attempting to assist a colleague who had lost consciousness. The injured personnel where promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment and remain under medical care.

“The passenger continued kicking and hitting the fainted employee despite the intervention of other staff,” a SpiceJet spokesperson stated. “This was a brazen and violent act that put our employees at serious risk.”

Legal Action and Airline Response

Authorities have filed a First Facts Report (FIR) under Section 115 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), pertaining to voluntarily causing hurt. SpiceJet has characterized the attack as a “murderous assault” in official interaction with the civil aviation ministry. The airline’s decision to add the Officer to the no-fly list was recommended by a committee established under the Civil Aviation Rules (CAR).

key details	Information
date of Incident	July 26,2025
Location	Srinagar Airport,Kashmir
Airline	SpiceJet
Flight Number	SG 386 (Srinagar to Delhi)
No-Fly Ban Duration	5 Years

did You Know? Airlines globally are increasingly utilizing no-fly lists to address disruptive passenger behavior,prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of crew and other travelers. IATA provides resources on passenger rights and airline regulations.

This incident highlights growing concerns about passenger behavior towards airline staff. According to recent reports from the Federal Aviation Administration, incidents of unruly passenger behavior have increased significantly in recent years, prompting calls for stricter penalties and enhanced security measures.

Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with airline baggage policies *before* arriving at the airport to avoid potential disputes and delays. Most airlines provide detailed information on their websites.

Understanding No-Fly Lists and Passenger Rights

Airline no-fly lists are becoming more common as a means of deterring disruptive behavior. These lists can be maintained by individual airlines or, in some cases, shared among carriers. Passengers placed on these lists may be denied boarding on all flights operated by the airline, or even by partner airlines.

Passenger rights vary depending on the region and airline. Generally, passengers are entitled to respectful treatment and a safe travel surroundings. However, airlines also have the right to refuse service to passengers who pose a threat to safety or security. Familiarizing yourself with your rights is crucial when traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions About no-Fly Lists

• what constitutes a reason for being placed on a no-fly list? Severe disruptive behavior, including assault, threats, and non-compliance with safety regulations, are common reasons.
• Can an airline unilaterally add someone to a no-fly list? Yes, airlines generally have the authority to create and maintain their own no-fly lists.
• Is there a process for appealing a no-fly list decision? Some airlines offer an appeals process, allowing passengers to challenge their inclusion on the list.
• What are the long-term consequences of being on a no-fly list? Being on a no-fly list can severely restrict travel options and may impact future travel plans.
• How common are assaults on airline staff? while not frequent, incidents of assault on airline staff are on the rise, prompting increased security measures.
• What legal recourse do airline employees have if assaulted? Airline employees can pursue legal action against the assailant, including filing criminal charges and seeking compensation for injuries.
• Does the airline have to prove the assault to put someone on the no-fly list? The standard of proof can vary, but airlines generally require a reasonable basis for believing that a passenger engaged in disruptive or unlawful behavior.

What are your thoughts on airlines’ use of no-fly lists? Do you believe they are an effective deterrent against disruptive behavior? share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific actions by the Army officer led to his placement on spicejet’s no-fly list?

The Incident at Srinagar Airport: A timeline of events

on August 25th,2025,an Indian Army officer was added to SpiceJet’s no-fly list following an incident at Srinagar Airport (SXR). Initial reports suggest a verbal altercation escalated into a physical confrontation with airline staff. While details remain fragmented, the core of the issue appears to stem from a disagreement regarding baggage handling and boarding procedures.

August 25th, 08:00 IST: The officer, whose name has not been officially released pending internal investigation, was attempting to board a SpiceJet flight from Srinagar to Delhi.

August 25th, 08:15 IST: A dispute arose with ground staff concerning alleged preferential treatment regarding baggage allowance. Witnesses report raised voices and accusations of unprofessional conduct.

august 25th, 08:30 IST: The situation reportedly escalated, leading to a physical altercation.SpiceJet staff allege the officer engaged in aggressive behavior. The Army has stated they are investigating the claims of excessive force.

August 25th, 10:00 IST: SpiceJet officially confirmed the officer had been placed on the no-fly list, citing a violation of their conduct guidelines.

August 25th, 14:00 IST: The Indian Army announced a formal inquiry into the incident, promising full cooperation with SpiceJet and relevant authorities.

SpiceJet’s No-Fly List: Regulations and Procedures

SpiceJet, like many airlines globally, maintains a no-fly list – also known as a passenger blacklist – to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew. The criteria for inclusion on this list vary,but generally include:

Disruptive Behavior: Passengers exhibiting unruly or threatening conduct.

Security Threats: Individuals posing a potential risk to flight safety.

Violation of Airline regulations: Non-compliance with established rules and procedures.

Damage to Property: Intentional damage to airline equipment or aircraft.

The duration of being placed on a no-fly list can range from a few hours to a lifetime ban, depending on the severity of the offence. Airlines typically have an internal review process for appeals. The Directorate General of Civil aviation (DGCA) in India also has guidelines regarding passenger behavior and the implementation of no-fly lists.

The Army’s Response and Internal Investigation

the Indian Army has taken the incident seriously, launching an internal investigation to ascertain the facts and determine appropriate action. A statement released by the Army’s Public Data Directorate emphasized their commitment to upholding discipline and professional conduct.

Key aspects of the Army’s investigation include:

1. Gathering statements from all witnesses, including the officer involved, SpiceJet staff, and other passengers.
2. Reviewing CCTV footage from Srinagar Airport to corroborate accounts of the incident.
3. Assessing whether the officer’s actions were in line with army regulations and ethical standards.
4. Cooperating fully with SpiceJet’s internal review process.

The Army has indicated that disciplinary action will be taken if the investigation confirms any wrongdoing on the part of the officer. This could range from a reprimand to more severe penalties, including court-martial proceedings.

Legal Implications and Potential Charges

Depending on the findings of the investigations, the officer could face legal repercussions beyond the airline’s no-fly list and Army disciplinary action.Potential charges could include:

Assault: If physical harm was inflicted on SpiceJet staff.

Disturbing Public Order: Disruptive behavior at an airport can be considered a violation of public order laws.

Violation of Aircraft Rules: Interfering with the duties of airline personnel is a punishable offense under aviation regulations.

The local police in Srinagar have confirmed they are aware of the incident and are awaiting the outcome of the Army’s investigation before deciding whether to file a formal complaint. Legal experts suggest that the severity of any potential charges will depend on the extent of the alleged physical altercation and the evidence presented.

Previous instances of Passengers on No-Fly Lists in India

This incident isn’t isolated. Several passengers have been added to no-fly lists by Indian airlines in recent years.

2022: A passenger was banned by IndiGo for allegedly creating a disturbance during a flight.

2023: SpiceJet placed a passenger on its no-fly list after a heated argument with cabin crew over a meal request.

2024: The DGCA issued guidelines strengthening the enforcement of no-fly lists and increasing penalties for disruptive behavior.

These cases highlight the growing concern among Indian airlines regarding passenger conduct and the need for stricter measures to maintain safety and order on flights. The DGCA is actively considering further regulations to address this issue.

Impact on Airport Security and Passenger Relations

The Srinagar Airport incident raises broader questions about airport security protocols and passenger relations. Airlines and airport authorities are continually working to improve security measures and de-escalation techniques to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

Enhanced Training: providing airline staff with better training in conflict resolution and passenger management.

Improved Interaction: Clearer communication of airline regulations and passenger rights.

Increased Security Presence: deploying more security personnel