Pune: A video showing agitated passengers at Pune airport forcing a SpiceJet ground staff member to eat airline-provided biryani has gone viral, drawing widespread attention and condemnation. The incident occurred during a prolonged flight delay, where passengers expressed outrage over the quality of the food served.
The footage captures passengers aggressively confronting a staff member, demanding he consume the same meal they were given. One visibly angry passenger is heard shouting, “Why won’t you eat it? Are we dogs? You will eat it. Eat it here in front of everybody".
Despite the employee complying and stating that the food was fine, tensions escalated further. As he attempted to leave, another outburst followed: “Don’t mess with my brain, just sit down".
SpiceJet, responding to the viral video, clarified that the incident occurred over two weeks ago and firmly defended the quality of the food served. In a statement to the media, a spokesperson for the airline said, “We strongly deny the claims being made in connection with the video in question, which is over two weeks old. The food served to passengers was fresh and of good quality. It was procured from an authorised vendor who supplies packaged food not only to SpiceJet but also to several other airlines and vendors operating within the airport.”
The airline also expressed strong support for its staff, calling the passengers' behaviour “deeply unfortunate” and “unacceptable.” The spokesperson added, “As is clearly visible, the SpiceJet ground staff remained polite, respectful, and professional despite being subjected to verbal abuse and unwarranted physical conduct. We stand firmly by our staff and condemn any form of misbehaviour or aggression against them.”
SpiceJet did not disclose the exact date of the incident or the flight details involved.