The Indian Army on Sunday said that it has taken note of the scuffle between one of its personnel and airline staff at Srinagar Airport last month and is awaiting the outcome of the ongoing police investigation into the matter.
“The matter involving an alleged altercation between an Army personnel and airline staff at Srinagar Airport on 26 July 2025 has come to the notice of the Indian Army,” a statement from the Army said.
“The Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously. Full cooperation is being extended to the authorities investigating the case,” it added.
The Army’s response came after a purported video of its personnel assaulting SpiceJet staff at Srinagar Airport went viral on social media.
The alleged incident occurred on July 26 when the airline crew asked the passenger to pay for the excess baggage he was carrying, a SpiceJet spokesperson said.
The passenger, identified as a senior Army officer, was reportedly carrying two pieces of cabin baggage totaling 16 kg—more than double the permissible cabin limit of 7 kg.
When politely informed of the excess and asked to pay the applicable fee, he allegedly refused and forcibly entered the aerobridge without completing the boarding process, thereby violating aviation security protocols.
A CISF official escorted him back to the gate, where the situation escalated, the spokesperson added.
According to the SpiceJet spokesperson, the passenger launched a violent attack on the ground staff, using punches, repeated kicks, and even a queue stand, leaving them with serious injuries, including a spinal fracture and severe facial trauma.
“One employee collapsed and lost consciousness during the assault, yet the passenger continued to kick and strike him. Another staff member, who attempted to assist his unconscious colleague, suffered heavy bleeding from the nose and mouth after a brutal kick to the jaw,” the spokesperson stated.