SpiceJet Delhi-Bound Flight Cancelled Due To Sunset Restrictions; Passengers Stranded At Darbhanga Airport

In the aviation sector, sunset restrictions are common at certain airports. A sunset limitation or restriction bars flights from taking off or landing due to a lack of ILS (Instrument Landing System), or radio signals that help land a plane. At Darbhanga Airport in Bihar, a SpiceJet Delhi-bound flight was first delayed and then cancelled due to sunset restrictions on Saturday. Here’s more.

SpiceJet Darbhanga-Delhi Flight Delayed & Cancelled

As per a report by The Economic Times, a SpiceJet flight, scheduled to fly from Darbhanga to Delhi, was delayed. The Flight SG447 faced delays due to technical issues. The flight was set to depart at about 11:40 am on Saturday. Initially, fliers were informed about a technical issue-induced delay with the SpiceJet aircraft. And were intimated about a replacement flight that will fly them to Delhi soon.

Stationed at Bihar’s Darbhanga Airport, the flight supposed to fly the passengers initially was unable to operate as usual. So, passengers waited for the replacement aircraft to fly them to the capital. When the replacement aircraft reached Darbhanga Airport it was post sunset. Since Darbhanga Airport is a defence airport, there are strict sunset restrictions in place. At the Bihar airport used for defence purposes as well, commercial flights are disallowed from landing and taking off beyond sunset.

Also Read: “Kab Tak Chalega AC?” Passengers Fume On SpiceJet Delhi-Mumbai Flight; Chaos Delays Take-Off

Replacement Flight Didn’t Receive Permission To Takeoff

The SpiceJet flight didn’t obtain the necessary departure to take off before sunset. That’s because it arrived too late. Unable to take off at the appropriate time, the Dharbhanga-Delhi flight was cancelled, leaving passengers stranded. To accommodate the stranded and frustrated passengers, SpiceJet made alternative arrangements for them to depart to Delhi on Sunday.

Also Read: Air India To Partially Resume International Flights From August 1; Bengaluru-London Route Faces Cuts

Earlier, SpiceJet was in the news after an aircraft’s AC stopped working during takeoff. Passengers onboard the SpiceJet aircraft were seen visibly distressed in viral videos, demanding the AC to be switched on. Some passengers even asked the flight to be halted as it was extremely hot and stuffy in the cabin. A growing frustration was seen amongst passengers who demanded a basic requirement like a working AC in a flight.

This news comes amid a rise in flights being grounded for technical issues in India and across the globe.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia/ Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon