SpiceJet Flight Returns to Hyderabad Mid-Air Due to Baggage Door Warning
A SpiceJet Q400 aircraft (SG 2696) flying from Hyderabad to Tirupati on June 19, 2025, returned to Hyderabad shortly after takeoff. Pilots made the precautionary decision after an intermittent cockpit warning light indicated a potential issue with the aft baggage door's security. The flight landed safely, and passengers were deplaned normally; an alternative aircraft was arranged for their onward journey.
Unpacked:
Technical issues such as warning lights, especially related to baggage or fuselage doors, have occurred multiple times on SpiceJet Q400 flights in recent years. Incidents in 2022 included several flights returning or aborting takeoff due to similar warnings, prompting regulatory scrutiny over safety oversight.
According to SpiceJet’s statement, cabin pressurization remained normal throughout the incident, and the aircraft returned as a precaution. The flight did not make an emergency landing, and passengers were deplaned normally. There were no reports of injuries or immediate danger to passenger safety.
Yes, SpiceJet has faced regulatory actions in the past due to the frequency of technical glitches. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued notices and imposed fines for safety oversight failures, and mandated corrective measures to ensure safer operations.
When a cockpit warning light appears, pilots follow established protocols: they assess the severity, check relevant systems, and consult the airline’s operations center. If safety could be compromised, they typically return to the departure airport or divert to the nearest suitable airport, as a precautionary measure, ensuring passenger safety.