A video of upset flyers at Pune airport making a SpiceJet ground staff consume an in-flight meal has gone viral on social media recently, with mixed responses. The video, claimed to have been taken after the flight was delayed by a considerable amount of time, has passengers upset about the food served.
The video uploaded by the handle “Woke Eminent” on platform X illustrates a group of upset passengers aggressively confronting a SpiceJet staffer. The passengers can be heard grumbling about the quality of food offered after a flight delay of SG-8124, which was allegedly delayed for more than seven hours. The audience insists that the airline staff try the same food, and in the video, the employee is seen doing so and eating it in front of them.
Despite the incident taking place two weeks ago, the video only came into circulation recently, attracting over five lakh views and fomenting online discourse.
SpiceJet Releases Clarification
Following the viral video, SpiceJet released a statement to HT.com, strongly refuting the claims made by the passengers.
We firmly reject the allegations made in relation to the video in question, which is more than two weeks old. The food served to passengers was fresh and of good quality. It was sourced from a licensed vendor who supplies packaged food not only to SpiceJet, but also to a number of other airlines operating from the airport, as well as to customers within the terminal,” said a SpiceJet spokesperson.
The airline supported its ground staff too, condemning the crowd’s action, Our ground staff performs their duties diligently and to the best of their abilities. The incident on video is unfortunate to the core, and the conduct displayed towards our staff is unacceptable and reprehensible. As is apparent through the video, the SpiceJet ground staff was remain polite, respectful, and professional notwithstanding being at the receiving end of verbal abuse as well as unjustified physical behavior. We will not only defend our staff but also any sort of misbehavior or aggression against them.
Social Media Reactions
Netizens were not slow to comment. While some empathised with the frustration of the commuters, there were many who were severely critical of their rude behavior and praised the composure of the staff member.
“Staff is not at fault for the delay, so let’s give them respect,” posted one user.
“Salute to this staff, he was so humble,” posted another.
“What is this kind of violent mob behavior? Are you proposing harassing this chap from the airline like that as acceptable behavior?” asked a third user.
“I salute that staff – too much patience. God bless him with the best job; he deserves it,” said another.
“Ban these people… don’t harass the manager, please,” said one further comment on behalf of the SpiceJet staff.
