Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram): An abrupt flight cancellation by SpiceJet plunged Veer Savarkar International (VSI) Airport into chaos, leaving dozens of tourists and local passengers stranded and triggering angry protests at the airline’s terminal counter in Sri Vijaya Puram. Frustrated travellers raised slogans and confronted airline staff, demanding answers over what they described as repeated, unannounced disruptions.
Several passengers alleged that they learnt of the cancellation only after reaching the airport to collect their boarding passes. Despite the scheduled afternoon flight being cancelled, they claimed, no prior SMS, email or other notification had been sent. Some also pointed out that online booking platforms continued to display the flight status as ‘on time’, adding to the confusion and inconvenience.
The sudden cancellation threw travel plans into disarray, particularly for passengers with onward domestic and international connections, train journeys and pressing professional commitments. The disruption once again exposed the acute vulnerability of air-dependent island connectivity, where passengers have virtually no road or rail alternatives to reach the mainland.
The situation was compounded by allegations of inadequate passenger assistance. Travellers claimed that airline personnel failed to provide clear explanations or connect them with senior officials, while alternative seats were offered only after a delay of up to two days. No adequate arrangements for accommodation or meals were reportedly made for those left stranded.
Passengers also expressed concern over the financial burden of waiting for refunds, which they said could take seven to 14 days, while having to arrange emergency accommodation and purchase last-minute tickets on other airlines at substantially higher costs.
The recurring cancellations have also alarmed local tour operators and tourism stakeholders, who warned that such disruptions could seriously undermine the Andaman Islands’ image as a tourist destination. They have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the local administration to intervene, provide emergency accommodation to stranded tourists through government-run tourism guest houses and ensure that the airline is held accountable for passenger hardship.
The episode has once again brought into focus the need for greater airline accountability, timely communication and effective passenger support, particularly in an island territory where a cancelled flight is not merely an inconvenience but can leave travellers with no immediate alternative to reach their destination.
