CIAL accuses SpiceJet of weather misinformation amid flight disruptions

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) on Saturday dismissed SpiceJet's explanation for widespread flight disruptions, stating that no adverse weather conditions existed at Kochi to justify the service interruptions. The airport operator said the budget airline had issued misleading social media communications attributing the cancellations and delays to bad weather.

SpiceJet had posted an advisory on social media stating: "Due to bad weather in Kochi, all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights might be affected." The airline urged passengers to monitor flight status updates on its website.

CIAL's passenger advisory noted that SpiceJet has been experiencing ongoing operational issues affecting its international services from Kochi, resulting in considerable inconvenience and uncertainty for travellers. The airport authority emphasised that no other airline operating from the facility reported weather-related disruptions on the same day, undermining SpiceJet's weather-based explanation.

The incident underscores the tension between the low-cost carrier and airport authorities over accountability for service failures. SpiceJet has faced multiple operational challenges in recent months, and passengers have frequently expressed frustration over flight cancellations and delays. The dispute raises questions about transparency in communicating reasons for flight disruptions to passengers.