Passengers aboard a SpiceJet flight from Dubai to New Delhi faced significant delays and inconvenience after adverse weather conditions forced their aircraft to divert to Jaipur, with many ultimately being transported to the national capital by bus. The incident occurred after thunderstorms and strong winds disrupted flight operations in Delhi on Tuesday night, leading to the diversion of multiple incoming flights to alternative airports.

SpiceJet flight SG 5106, carrying 63 passengers from Dubai to Delhi, was among at least 15 flights diverted due to the severe weather. After landing safely in Jaipur, passengers remained on standby as the airline awaited clearance for the flight to continue to Delhi. However, by the time weather conditions improved and operational clearance was received, the flight crew had exceeded the legally permitted Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), preventing them from operating the aircraft further.

According to airline officials, the completion of the crew’s duty hours left SpiceJet with limited options. Since Jaipur is not a regular operational base for the carrier, arranging a replacement cockpit crew and the necessary support services would have required additional time. To avoid prolonging passenger delays, the airline decided to transport travelers to Delhi by bus. While most passengers accepted the arrangement, some chose to stay in Jaipur with relatives or friends instead.

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The unexpected change in travel plans reportedly led to frustration among some passengers, resulting in tense scenes at the airport. However, aviation regulations governing pilot duty hours have become significantly stricter in recent years. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has increased enforcement of FDTL rules and imposed substantial penalties on airlines found violating crew fatigue regulations, making it impossible for airlines to legally extend duty hours beyond prescribed limits.

The weather disruption created wider operational challenges across northern India. Airport officials in Jaipur described the night as particularly difficult, with numerous flights arriving after midnight following diversions from Delhi. The sudden influx of aircraft and passengers placed considerable pressure on airport facilities, which were required to accommodate hundreds of stranded travelers seeking updates on their onward journeys.

Airport authorities and airline staff worked through the night to manage the situation, providing refreshments, drinking water, and assistance to affected passengers. Meanwhile, SpiceJet’s scheduled Dubai–Delhi service on Wednesday was cancelled, according to flight-tracking platforms, highlighting the continuing impact of the weather-related disruption on the airline’s operations.

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