A SpiceJet flight from Goa to Pune on July 1 nearly spiraled into chaos mid-air when a section of the cabin’s interior window frame came loose, dangling dangerously and sending shockwaves among passengers. Although the airline insists there was no threat to passenger safety, the incident — caught on camera and widely circulated on social media — raises pressing questions about airline maintenance, transparency, and oversight.
Flight SG1080, a Bombardier Q400 aircraft, had just taken off from Goa when passengers noticed the window frame coming loose. What should have been a routine short-haul journey turned into an unnerving experience, with visibly distressed passengers questioning whether the aircraft was even fit to fly.
“We were terrified. A mother with her child was sitting right next to the window when the panel started shaking and eventually fell off. The stewardess moved them to another seat and tried to push the panel back in, but it was barely holding,” said a passenger who captured the incident on video and shared it on X, tagging the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
#SpiceJet from Goa to Pune today. The whole interior window assembly just fell off mid flight. And this flight is now supposed to take off and head to Jaipur. Wonder if it’s air worthy @ShivAroor @VishnuNDTV @DGCAIndia pic.twitter.com/x5YV3Qj2vu
— Aatish Mishra (@whatesh) July 1, 2025
The now-viral video shows the dislodged inner panel — technically a “shade trim” or cosmetic frame — hanging awkwardly while the aircraft cruised mid-air. The footage instantly triggered a wave of concern among aviation experts, frequent flyers, and the general public, with many questioning whether this was just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to aircraft upkeep.
In the video post, the passenger questioned the aircraft’s safety, “SpiceJet from Goa to Pune today. The whole interior window assembly just fell off mid-flight. And this flight is now supposed to take off and head to Jaipur. Wonder if it’s airworthy,” tagging the DGCA and demanding action.
SpiceJet’s response
In response to mounting criticism, SpiceJet issued a statement claiming that the component that came loose was non-structural and “purely cosmetic.” According to the airline, the frame serves no functional purpose related to cabin pressurisation or structural integrity.
“A cosmetic window frame on one of SpiceJet’s Q400 aircraft became loose during flight and was found dislodged. It did not compromise the safety or integrity of the aircraft in any way,” the airline said.
Further, it claimed that cabin pressurisation remained normal throughout the flight, and that the component was fixed at the next destination (Pune) as per “standard maintenance protocols.” But the explanation has done little to calm public fear.
Aviation safety professionals were quick to point out that while the inner window panel may not hold pressure, its dislodgement mid-flight is no small matter.
“This cosmetic excuse is dangerous and misleading. Any interior component falling off mid-air suggests either poor maintenance or substandard fittings. If visible parts like these are falling off, one has to ask what invisible mechanical issues might be lurking beneath,” said a senior aircraft maintenance engineer, who requested anonymity.
“This is not just a cosmetic glitch. It’s a symptom of negligence,” another pilot stated, pointing out that all panels, even those not critical to structure, are rigorously tested to withstand vibration, turbulence, and movement.
This is not the first time SpiceJet has come under scrutiny for aircraft safety. In recent years, the low-cost carrier has faced DGCA warnings, temporary bans on new flights, and repeated complaints of operational lapses from sudden depressurisation events to emergency landings due to mechanical issues.
In 2022, the DGCA had temporarily capped SpiceJet’s flights after a series of technical snags, warning that the airline was not maintaining “safe, efficient and reliable air services.” Despite being tagged in multiple social media posts by concerned passengers, the DGCA has yet to issue a formal statement or confirm whether an inquiry has been launched into the SpiceJet SG1080 incident.
“It is deeply alarming that the aviation watchdog remains silent on a case where passengers are raising fundamental questions about safety mid-air. We need clear standards, transparency in post-incident investigations, and strict enforcement of accountability,” said an aviation rights activist.
Adding to SpiceJet’s woes is the airline’s sluggish response on public communication. Despite the video of the incident going viral, SpiceJet’s official channels failed to address the public in real time or reassure passengers with clarity. The official statement came nearly 24 hours later, after considerable outrage had already erupted online.
“They want us to believe it’s no big deal. But a loose panel at 20,000 feet is terrifying, especially when you get no explanation and vague PR damage control later,” said a passenger who was aboard the flight.
Experts used the SpiceJet incident to highlight the serious implications of an actual window failure. Modern aircraft windows are built with three layers:
- Outer pane: The primary barrier that holds cabin pressure.
- Middle pane: A secondary, pressure-bearing backup.
- Inner plastic trim: The aesthetic shade cover — the component that fell off in this case.
If the outer pane were to crack mid-flight, it could lead to rapid cabin depressurisation, causing a sudden drop in oxygen levels. At high altitudes, this can result in hypoxia — dizziness, confusion, or even unconsciousness within seconds — unless passengers quickly access oxygen masks. In such emergencies, pilots must immediately descend to a lower altitude where breathable air is available.
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