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Darbhanga – July 20, 2025 – SpiceJet flight SG 447, scheduled to depart Darbhanga for Delhi at around 11:40 IST, was cancelled after experiencing technical delays and being barred by the airport’s strict sunset curfew on civilian flights—resulting in dozens of stranded travellers.
What Went Wrong?
- Technical Delay: The aircraft was held on the apron following a technical snag early in the day, prompting SpiceJet to dispatch a replacement aircraft.
- Sunset Restriction: Darbhanga Airport perates under military control and enforces a strict sunset curfew. The replacement aircraft arrived too late to take off legally before the cutoff, leading to the cancellation of the flight.
- Passenger Impact: Hundreds of passengers were left stranded, with SpiceJet assuring rebookings for the following day and arranging alternative transportation to Delhi.
Broader Operational Challenges
- Airbase Limitations: Operating civilian flights at defense-run Darbhanga means traffic is tightly regulated to avoid conflicting with military operations, especially around dusk.
- Compounding Delays: The incident demonstrates how combining technical issues with operational restrictions can severely disrupt schedules—even with contingency plans in place.
SpiceJet’s Official Response
A SpiceJet spokesperson confirmed the sequence of events, stating that the backup aircraft simply couldn’t secure departure clearance before the curfew began. The airline has arranged for affected flyers to travel to Delhi on Sunday and said support teams are assisting with accommodation and bookings.
