A SpiceJet flight from Goa to Pune caused alarm among passengers on Tuesday after a cosmetic window frame dislodged mid-air. The incident occurred on a Bombardier Q400 aircraft operated by the airline, prompting concern and social media attention from travelers on board.
According to passenger accounts, the issue arose approximately 30 minutes after takeoff when the inner window panel suddenly popped out near a woman traveling with an infant. Fellow passenger Mandar Sawant, speaking to The Indian Express, said, “The window just popped out. The woman got scared—it was very concerning. Thankfully, the protective layer behind the frame was intact, but it’s still not acceptable.”
The situation led to anxiety among passengers, though crew members acted swiftly to calm those affected. The woman and her child were relocated to a different seat, and a flight attendant attempted to reattach the frame temporarily.
A video of the dislodged window was later posted on social media platform X by a passenger, raising further questions about aircraft maintenance and airworthiness. “The whole interior window assembly just fell off mid-flight. And this flight is now supposed to go to Jaipur. Wonder if it’s airworthy,” the post read, tagging India’s aviation regulator DGCA.
https://x.com/whatesh/status/1940061852538716616
In response, SpiceJet issued a statement clarifying the nature of the fault. “A cosmetic window frame on one of SpiceJet’s Q400 aircraft became loose during flight and was found dislodged. This was a non-structural trim component, meant only to hold the window shade, and did not compromise the safety or integrity of the aircraft in any way,” the airline said.
The airline further explained that the Q400 is designed with multiple layers of window panes, including a sturdy, pressure-bearing outer pane that maintains cabin pressure and ensures passenger safety. SpiceJet confirmed that the loose frame was secured after landing, following standard maintenance protocols.
While no injuries were reported and cabin pressurization remained normal throughout the flight, the incident has once again drawn attention to in-flight safety and maintenance practices. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not yet released a statement on the matter.
SpiceJet, which has previously faced scrutiny over safety-related concerns, emphasized that the issue was minor and posed no threat. Nonetheless, the incident has sparked debate online, with travelers urging stricter inspections and greater transparency from domestic carriers.
The flight continued its operations after the frame was fixed, with the airline reiterating that all safety standards were upheld.
