SpiceJet air hostesses accuse airlines of strip-search at Chennai airport

In a shocking incident, SpiceJet air hostesses have alleged that they were strip-searched at Chennai airport by the airlines’ security personnel. The crew members alleged that they were searched because the airlines suspected them of swindling cash collected from the sale of food and other items on-board.

The air hostesses are said to have protested against the low-fare airlines for mistreating them. The video of the protest has gone viral on social media.

The budget carrier has refuted the allegations but confirmed that the security teams conducted searches at part of the security and safety standard operating procedures (SOP) on the night of March 28 and March 29.

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SpiceJet said that allegations regarding the deviation from the SOP were being investigated and stringent action would be taken if someone was found guilty.

''One of the objectives of this search is to ensure that there is no pilferage of company money/goods, smuggling or any illegal activity that an employee may be lured into. This also ensures security and safety of our passengers, employees and assets. This search is essentially the same as what any passenger goes through at any of the Indian airports’’, an official SpiceJet spokesperson told PTI.

He added that searches were conducted as per the stated procedures in closed rooms by well-trained employees of the same gender.

(With PTI inputs)