CIAL, SpiceJet Clash Over Weather-Related Flight Disruption Advisory

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and SpiceJet on Saturday traded accusations over an advisory warning passengers of possible flight disruptions at Kochi airport, with the airport operator accusing the airline of spreading misinformation about weather conditions.

CIAL said there were no adverse weather conditions in Kochi that warranted disruptions to SpiceJet services. The airport operator said it had taken note of continuing operational issues affecting the airline’s international services, including flights from Kochi, which had caused considerable inconvenience and uncertainty among passengers.

“SpiceJet has issued a social media communication spreading misinformation by attributing the disruption to bad weather at Kochi,” CIAL said in a passenger advisory. The airport operator added that no other airline operating from Kochi had reported weather-related disruptions during the same period. It also claimed that passenger grievances concerning SpiceJet had not been adequately addressed and had worsened over the past few days.

CIAL said it had made efforts to assist affected passengers and provide necessary support. It advised passengers booked on SpiceJet flights to recheck their flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport.

SpiceJet, however, defended its advisory, saying it was issued as a precautionary measure to help passengers plan their journeys in view of prevailing weather conditions. The airline clarified that the communication only stated that flights “might be affected” and did not announce any cancellation or suspension of services.

According to a SpiceJet spokesperson, no SpiceJet flights from Kochi were cancelled, and the airline operated both its scheduled daily departures to Fujairah and Dubai the previous day. The airline said such advisories were intended to provide passengers and travel partners with sufficient information and time to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

SpiceJet expressed regret over any misunderstanding caused by the advisory and said its scheduled services would continue to operate normally, subject to prevailing operational conditions. Meanwhile, passengers have been urged to verify their flight status before travelling to Kochi airport.