On July 26, 2025, a significant incident unfolded at Srinagar airport involving an altercation between Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, a senior Indian Army officer, and SpiceJet staff over excess cabin baggage. This confrontation escalated into a physical clash, resulting in a severe backlash on social media, particularly under the hashtag #BoycottSpiceJet, which gained traction among Indian Army veterans.
The turbulence began at the boarding gate of SpiceJet flight SG-386, scheduled to fly from Srinagar to Delhi. According to SpiceJet’s official statement, Lt Col Singh was carrying two cabin bags totaling 16 kg, which exceeded the airline’s 7 kg limit. When requested to pay for the excess baggage, he allegedly refused and forcefully entered the aerobridge, reportedly assaulting four ground staff members. This altercation left one staff member with a spinal fracture, another with serious jaw injuries, and resulted in one individual losing consciousness. A video clip circulating on social media depicts the officer, dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt, engaging in physical confrontation with staff using a queue stand.
In contrast to SpiceJet’s portrayal of events, Lt Col Singh lodged an FIR against the airline, alleging mistreatment and claiming that he missed his flight due to the incident. He contends that he was carrying only 8-9 kg of cabin baggage, which had been accepted during check-in. Eyewitness testimonies and a second, unverified video have led to claims that the airline staff may have instigated the confrontation, complicating the situation.
As the situation unfolded, legal actions surfaced, including an FIR against Lt Col Singh for assault. SpiceJet has initiated procedures to blacklist him from future flights and has submitted relevant CCTV footage to authorities. The Indian Army has reiterated its commitment to discipline and conduct, stating it will fully cooperate with the investigation and await its conclusions before determining further actions.
In the wake of the incident, the #BoycottSpiceJet movement surged on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), primarily driven by Army veterans who rallied in support of Lt Col Singh. Retired Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia called on citizens and military personnel, both past and present, to boycott the airline, expressing concern over the treatment of soldiers and alleged mistreatment by airline staff.
Various veterans voiced their perspectives in support of Lt Col Singh. Lt Col Sushil Singh Sheoran criticized the airline’s practices, lamenting the growing tension between passengers and airline personnel. Another veteran shared CCTV footage, questioning the legitimacy of denying boarding to a passenger with a valid ticket. Additional allegations emerged, claiming that staff had taunted Lt Col Singh during the incident with phrases suggesting hostility towards military personnel.
This altercation highlights the ongoing friction between airline policies and the rights of passengers, especially those in military service. Lt Col Singh’s urgent need for family leave, coupled with his assignment at the High-Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, underscores the challenges faced by soldiers. Quick intervention by the CISF helped maintain order and ensured that flight operations remained uninterrupted amidst the chaos.
As discussions around the event continue, the implications of this incident resonate beyond a single disagreement, reflecting broader societal tensions regarding the treatment of service personnel in public and commercial spaces.
