Aviation Minister Condemns Assault on IndiGo Pilot Amidst Flight Delay Chaos

In the aftermath of a shocking incident where an IndiGo pilot was assaulted by a passenger due to a flight delay announcement, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has strongly condemned such unruly behavior. The disturbing event took place on an IndiGo flight bound for Goa at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Expressing his disapproval, Scindia emphasized the unacceptable nature of such incidents and assured that they would be dealt with firmly in accordance with existing legal provisions. In a social media post, the minister acknowledged the ongoing efforts of all stakeholders to mitigate the impact of fog-related disruptions, a prevalent issue during the winter season.

To address the challenges faced by passengers during flight cancellations and delays due to adverse weather conditions, Scindia announced that the Director General of Civil Aviation would issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for airlines. The SOP aims to improve communication and facilitate passengers, minimizing discomfort caused by unpredictable flight changes.

The incident occurred amid significant disruptions at the Delhi airport caused by dense fog, leading to diversions, cancellations, and delays. One enraged passenger on the IndiGo flight, identified as 6E 2175, reportedly punched a pilot when the delay announcement was made. The incident, captured in a viral video, showed the passenger, Sahil Kataria, hitting the co-pilot, Anup Kumar, resulting in a delay of over 10 hours for the Goa-bound flight.

IndiGo Airlines responded by terming the altercation as an assault and promptly referred the matter to an independent internal committee for potential inclusion in the "no-fly list." The video footage revealed crew members admonishing Kataria for his actions. He was subsequently arrested after being escorted off the aircraft by security personnel.

The police complaint lodged by the co-pilot and security personnel accused Kataria of misbehavior, assault, and creating a disturbance inside the aircraft. Charges under sections 323, 341, and 290 of the IPC, along with section 22 of the Aircraft Rules, have been registered against the passenger, initiating a thorough investigation.

This incident not only highlights the challenges airlines face in managing disruptions but also underscores the need for stringent measures to address passenger misbehavior. As air travel remains a vital mode of transportation, ensuring the safety and security of both passengers and crew members becomes paramount. The collaborative efforts of authorities, airlines, and passengers are crucial in maintaining a harmonious and secure air travel environment.