Army Veterans Demand Boycott of SpiceJet Following Alleged Misconduct at Srinagar Airport
On July 26, 2025, an altercation at Srinagar airport involving Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, a senior officer in the Indian Army, and SpiceJet employees over excess luggage erupted into a physical clash, igniting a significant social media movement, #BoycottSpiceJet, spearheaded by Indian Army veterans. This overview examines the incident, subsequent reactions, and its broader implications, as reported up to August 5, 2025.
The confrontation took place at the boarding gate for SpiceJet flight SG-386 from Srinagar to Delhi. According to a SpiceJet statement, Lt Col Singh was carrying two cabin bags weighing a combined 16 kg, exceeding the 7 kg baggage limit. When requested to pay for the extra weight, he reportedly refused, forcibly entered the aerobridge, and physically assaulted four ground staff members, inflicting severe injuries. One staff member suffered a spinal fracture, another sustained serious jaw injuries, and one was rendered unconscious. A video depicted the officer, dressed casually, kicking and attacking staff with a queue stand.
Conversely, Lt Col Singh filed a First Information Report (FIR) against SpiceJet, alleging mistreatment and being denied his flight. He contends he was carrying only 8-9 kg of luggage, which was checked in without issue, and was met with aggression by 4-5 staff at the gate. Eyewitness accounts and an unverified second video suggest the possibility of initial aggression from the staff, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Legal proceedings include an FIR filed against Lt Col Singh for assault, with SpiceJet submitting CCTV footage and seeking to place him on a no-fly list. The Indian Army has stated its commitment to maintaining high standards of discipline and conduct, pledging full cooperation with the investigation while awaiting its conclusion to determine further actions.
The #BoycottSpiceJet campaign gained traction on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), driven by Army veterans showing solidarity with the officer. Retired Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia called for a boycott, citing staff misconduct toward soldiers and false complaint allegations.
Veterans, including Lt Col Sushil Singh Sheoran, defended the officer, criticizing airline practices as exploitative. He mentioned arbitrary baggage charges and reduced staff, asserting that only those present knew the real circumstances. Another veteran questioned the denial of boarding despite a valid pass, while a third alleged staff mockery of the officer as an intimidating tactic.
This incident highlights tensions between airline regulations and passengers' rights, especially for military personnel. Lt Col Singh's assignment at the High-Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg and his urgent travel for family reasons underscore the pressures on soldiers. The Central Industrial Security Force's (CISF) swift intervention ensured that the flight schedule remained unaffected while managing the incident.
