Passengers on a SpiceJet flight from Goa to Pune had a scary experience on Tuesday when part of a window came off mid-air. A video shared on social media showed the inside window panel popping out during the flight, causing panic among some passengers.
The airline later said that the window frame that came loose was only a “cosmetic” part – meaning it was just the inside panel meant for holding the window shade. SpiceJet assured everyone that there was no danger to the passengers at any point.
“A cosmetic window frame on one of SpiceJet’s Q400 aircraft became loose during flight and was found dislodged. It is important to note that this was a non-structural trim component, fitted onto the window for the purpose of shade, and did not compromise the safety or integrity of the aircraft in any way,” the airline said in a statement.
SpiceJet added that once the plane landed, the frame was fixed following routine maintenance checks.
“The Q400 aircraft is equipped with multiple layers of window panes, including a robust, pressure-bearing outer pane, ensuring that passenger safety is never at risk, even in the unlikely event of a superficial or cosmetic component coming loose,” the airline added.
The incident gained attention when a passenger posted a video on X, writing:
“#SpiceJet from Goa to Pune today. The whole interior window assembly just fell off mid flight. And this flight is now supposed to take off and head to Jaipur. Wonder if it’s air worthy..”
Speaking to The Indian Express, a fellow passenger on the flight, Mandar Sawant, recalled the moment the window came off.
“I was travelling back from Goa to Pune after attending an event. A woman was sitting behind me and she was with a baby. Half an hour after takeoff, the window (close to her) just popped out. The woman got scared and it was damn concerning. There is a protective layer behind the window that protects us from the elements outside, and it was intact, but it is still concerning. This is not done,” Mandar Sawant told the newspaper.
He added, “The flight attendants tried to calm us down, but what else will they even do? They moved the woman and her child to a different seat behind. The stewardess did manage to somewhat get the window back on, but any sudden movement and it probably would have fallen off again.”
While no one was injured, the mid-air scare left several passengers uneasy, raising questions about aircraft safety and maintenance.
