Army Officer Files FIR Against SpiceJet Over Alleged Mistreatment, No-Fly List Entry

An Army officer has filed a police complaint against SpiceJet after he was allegedly barred from boarding his scheduled flight in Srinagar and later informed he had been placed on a no-fly list. The incident has sparked questions around passenger rights, accountability of airlines, and treatment of uniformed personnel during air travel.

What Happened at Srinagar Airport
The officer, who had booked a SpiceJet flight from Srinagar to Delhi, claims he arrived at the airport well within time but was denied boarding by the airline staff without proper explanation. He was later informed that he had been placed on the airline’s no-fly list, a move he says was made without justification or prior warning.

In his FIR, the officer described the situation as one of humiliation and harassment, stating that despite repeated requests, he was not allowed to board or rebook a ticket. The incident led to him missing an important engagement in Delhi.

The Airline’s Position
SpiceJet has reportedly maintained that the officer’s behavior at the counter violated airline norms, prompting their internal team to classify the matter under disruptive conduct. However, the airline has not released an official public statement detailing the event or the specific grounds for blacklisting.

Legal and Public Response
Filing an FIR against an airline is not common and usually points to serious allegations. The officer’s move has prompted wider discussions, particularly on social media, about how airlines treat passengers—especially those in service to the nation.

Legal experts say that placing someone on a no-fly list without formal notice or giving them a chance to respond may not hold up if challenged in court. The DGCA’s norms around such lists require documented reasons and a hearing process, which may not have been followed in this case.

Context for Tier 2 Flyers and Uniformed Personnel
This case strikes a chord with many travellers from Tier 2 cities like Jammu, Dehradun, or Guwahati, where uniformed officers and students often travel via budget carriers. There is a growing concern that airline policies are not always applied consistently, and that customer support lacks transparency in critical situations.

Conclusion
As the FIR moves through the legal process, the spotlight is now on how airlines manage no-fly lists and handle conflict at check-in counters. For the travelling public and especially for those in uniform, this case underscores the need for more accountability and clear communication in India’s aviation sector.