In a shocking incident, a video has surfaced online capturing a passenger on an IndiGo flight slapping the captain while he announced further delays. The incident unfolded after the replacement of the aircraft’s crew due to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations, adding to the frustration of passengers who had already faced a 13-hour delay.
The Viral Video
Tempers soaring even mid-air: “I am not your servant”
An @IndiGo6E crew and a passenger on an Istanbul flight to Delhi (a route which is being expanded soon with bigger planes in alliance with @TurkishAirlines ) on 16th December : pic.twitter.com/ZgaYcJ7vGv
— Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) December 21, 2022
The video, posted on X (formerly Twitter), depicts a passenger, clad in a yellow hoodie, approaching the captain from the last row and slapping him in the face during the delay announcement. The captain, who was complying with FDTL regulations, faced the ire of a visibly upset passenger.
Flight Attendant’s Intervention
Amidst the chaos, a flight attendant standing beside the captain intervened, trying to explain the situation to the agitated passenger. In the video, the flight attendant can be heard saying, “Sir, you can’t do this.” Another passenger swiftly pulled back the aggressor, preventing further escalation.
Mixed Reactions and Public Outcry
The video has garnered over 600K views, sparking mixed reactions from the online community. Some have called for strict action against the assaulting passenger, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of such behavior. Concurrently, others have expressed solidarity, citing a rise in frustration against IndiGo due to recurrent delays, cancellations, and perceived lapses in quality and standards.
Legal Consequences
Law enforcement swiftly responded to the incident, with a police complaint filed against the aggressor. A case has been registered for assault, underlining the severity of the assault on the flight captain.
Widespread Frustration Against IndiGo
This incident adds to a series of grievances expressed by passengers against IndiGo. Bollywood actor Radhika Apte recently shared her distressing experience with the airline, recounting being locked inside an aerobridge at Mumbai airport for several hours. Apte highlighted the airline staff’s alleged cluelessness and the deprivation of food for passengers, including senior citizens and babies.
Calls for Improvement
As frustration grows, there are increasing calls for IndiGo to address operational challenges, improve communication, and ensure a higher standard of passenger care. The airline faces scrutiny not only for this recent incident but also for a broader trend of passenger dissatisfaction, emphasizing the need for prompt and comprehensive action to regain trust and maintain safety and order on its flights.