What was supposed to be just another Friday evening flight home turned into a long, draining ordeal for more than 180 passengers. Onboard were families trying to calm restless kids, elderly travellers looking for an easy journey, and even heart patients who really didn’t need the extra stress.The SpiceJet’s Dubai-Kochi flight was meant to leave Dubai at 1:25 pm, but after an hour of waiting around, it finally took off at 2:20 pm. Everyone figured they’d be in Kochi by dinner time, around 8:30 pm. Instead, rough weather threw a curveball. The captain announced they couldn’t land in Kochi and had to divert. By the time the plane touched down in Coimbatore, it was already 9:30 pm and that’s when the real trouble began.
Dubai-Kochi Flight Becomes 20-Hour Ordeal for 180+ Travellers
Passengers sat trapped inside the plane for almost sixty minutes post-landing, hoping conditions would improve for continuation to Kochi. However, crew members soon declared that deteriorating weather prevented further takeoff. The carrier assured bus transportation to Kerala, yet nothing appeared until after midnight had passed.
Stranded In The Wrong City, Passengers Left Without Basic Support
This marked the beginning of their real troubles. Rather than swift connecting transport, travellers found themselves stuck in an unintended city, lacking meals, beverages, or proper transportation options.
Resmi Printo, a Kerala-based freelance reporter working in the UAE, recounted her experience: “We landed in Coimbatore around 9:30 pm and waited inside for an hour. Afterwards, the staff promised bus arrangements, but nothing happened until 3 am. Many passengers, including families and sick travellers, had to hire personal transport to reach home. I arrived in Thrissur at 6:30 am, completely drained and angry. The entire journey took 20 hours without decent food or sleep.”
Her story mirrors countless other passengers who felt deserted during their most vulnerable moments.
Late Bus Arrival Adds To Misery Of Dubai-Kochi Flight
Finally, two buses appeared at 3 am Saturday morning, roughly six hours post-diversion. Approximately 50 travellers used them, while others took initiative, sharing costs for private taxis and minivans. Families travelling with young ones and senior citizens found the experience especially draining.
When buses finally reached Kochi and the surrounding Kerala areas, passengers had endured an entire night and morning travelling, fighting hunger, exhaustion, and confusion.
Also Read: Man Caught Smoking E-Cigarette On Dubai-Mumbai SpiceJet Flight’s Lavatory; Case Registered
Company Response Disappoints
When questioned about this incident, a top airline representative acknowledged that SpiceJet had closed their Coimbatore office after discontinuing services there. Without local personnel or partnerships with accommodation and transportation companies, the airline was unable to manage the crisis effectively. The representative mentioned plans for a new Coimbatore facility; however, passengers currently suffer due to this service vacuum.
Airport officials spoke candidly about the situation. “We regularly demand that flight operators provide essential passenger amenities. This time, they completely failed,” stated a senior administrator.
The redirected plane finally left for Kochi at 3 pm Saturday, almost 17 hours past its scheduled arrival time.
Cover Image Courtesy: SpiceJet/Website
First Published: August 17, 2025 11:40 AM
