Watch: Passenger attacks Indian airline's staff at Kashmir airport over baggage row
Four airline staff hospitalised after attack at Srinagar boarding gate over excess baggage row
DUBAI – Four SpiceJet employees were hospitalised after a passenger launched a violent attack on them at Srinagar International Airport during a dispute over excess cabin baggage.
The incident occurred on 26 July 2025, moments before the boarding of flight SG-386 to Delhi, and was caught on CCTV as well as a bystander’s video that went viral on social media on Sunday.
According to detailed reports from the Indian media, the confrontation began when ground staff informed the passenger – reported to be an officer of Indian army – that his 16kg cabin baggage exceeded the 7kg limit and requested payment for the extra weight. He allegedly refused, forcefully bypassed boarding protocol, and had to be escorted back by a security official – after which the altercation escalated into physical violence.
What sparked it?
SpiceJet told Indian media that the passenger was carrying two pieces of cabin baggage totalling 16kg, more than double the permitted allowance. When asked to pay the applicable fee, he reportedly refused. The officer allegedly entered the aerobridge without completing the payment or boarding formalities, violating aviation security procedures.
VIDEO | On July 26, 2025, a passenger reportedly assaulted the SpiceJet employees at the Srinagar boarding gate of flight SG-386 after being informed about excess cabin baggage. Despite being escorted back by CISF for bypassing security protocol, the passenger launched a brutal… pic.twitter.com/bxM83CoN84
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 3, 2025
After being brought back to the gate area by security personnel, the passenger became hostile, leading to a serious physical confrontation.
How did it escalate?
As per Hindustan Times, the officer allegedly punched and kicked four SpiceJet ground staff members, also using a queue stand as a weapon. One employee collapsed unconscious during the assault, only to be further kicked by the passenger. Another suffered severe jaw and facial injuries while attempting to assist their colleague.
All four staff members were rushed to hospital. Reported injuries include a spinal fracture, facial trauma, and bleeding from the nose and mouth. SpiceJet described the incident as a “murderous assault” in its official statement.
What action is being taken?
SpiceJet has registered a First Information Report (FIR) with Budgam police and submitted CCTV footage to local authorities. The airline also confirmed that it has initiated the process to place the passenger on India’s no-fly list, and has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation urging appropriate disciplinary action.
While the Ministry has yet to release a public statement, the incident has triggered widespread concerns over airline staff safety and passenger misconduct. The identity of the officer has not been disclosed at this stage.
According to Times of India, the Indian Army has also acknowledged the incident and stated that it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
As of now, the country's civil aviation authority is reviewing the case, and no further developments have been officially released.