A passenger on a SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Bengaluru was stuck inside a toilet for nearly an hour on Tuesday morning due to an alleged malfunction of the lavatory door lock.
After the seat belt sign went off following take off from Mumbai at 2:13 am, the male passenger went to the toilet but got trapped inside. He had to wait until landing at 3:10 am in Bengaluru when technicians were able to open the door.
SpiceJet, in a statement, expressed regret over the incident and said the passenger is being provided a full refund. The airline added that the flyer was provided assistance throughout the journey.
"On 16 January, a passenger unfortunately got stuck inside the lavatory for about an hour on SpiceJet flight operating from Mumbai to Bengaluru, while the aircraft was airborne due to a malfunction in the door lock. Throughout the journey, our crew provided assistance and guidance to the passenger," SpiceJet said.
After failing to open the door, the crew passed a note to the passenger asking him not to panic.
The note read," Sir, we tried our best to open the door. However, we could not open. Do not panic, we are landing in few minutes. So please the commode lid and sit on it and secure yourself. As soon as the main door is open, the engineer will come. Do not panic."
Upon arrival at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, an engineer opened the lavatory door, and the passenger received immediate medical support, the airline said.
"SpiceJet regrets and apologises for the inconvenience caused to the passenger," it added.
