Kochi: Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has rejected SpiceJet’s claim that bad weather in Kochi caused flight cancellations and delays, accusing the airline of spreading misinformation while passengers faced prolonged disruption.
SpiceJet said in a post on X at 6.02 am on Saturday that poor weather at Kochi airport could affect all departures, arrivals and consequential flights.
CIAL, however, said weather conditions at the airport did not warrant such disruption. In a passenger advisory, the airport operator noted that no other airline flying from Kochi had reported weather-related cancellations.
The airport said SpiceJet had issued the explanation even as it was yet to satisfactorily address the concerns of affected passengers.
The dispute arose amid mounting complaints from SpiceJet passengers, particularly Gulf-bound travellers, who alleged waits of 15 to 20 hours, inadequate communication and anxiety over visas nearing expiry.
While CIAL’s official advisory was limited to rebutting the weather claim, airport sources said SpiceJet’s continuing disruptions were linked to operational and financial constraints. A senior CIAL official, who requested anonymity, alleged that the carrier owed substantial amounts to several stakeholders, including about ₹2 crore to the airport.
According to the official, SpiceJet has consequently been placed under a cash-and-carry arrangement, requiring it to make payments before operating departures. The official also said airline staff were frequently unavailable during disruptions, leaving CIAL personnel to deal with large numbers of distressed passengers at airport service counters.
CIAL nevertheless continued to accommodate SpiceJet flights during the Onam travel period to prevent further hardship to passengers, the official said.
The airport has now approached the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and sought formal reports on the airline’s continuing operational problems, which the official said were affecting its services across the country. SpiceJet had not responded to CIAL’s rebuttal or the claims regarding outstanding dues.
