Two passengers on an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Krabi faced removal and were handed over to security agencies on Tuesday. This action followed their unruly behavior during an extensive delay before takeoff.
Flight Faces Major Delay Due to Operational Issues
IndiGo Flight 6E1085, originally scheduled to depart at 4.05 am, finally took off at 1.21 pm. This delay lasted over nine hours. In an official statement, IndiGo explained the reasons behind the hold-up.
The airline cited a combination of operational factors. These included the late arrival of the incoming aircraft, air traffic congestion, and crew members exceeding their duty time limitations. These issues collectively contributed to the significant postponement.
Unruly Behavior Captured on Social Media
Two video clips from the incident circulated widely on social media platforms. The footage shows passengers from the front rows standing in the aisle. They are engaged in a heated argument with a lone flight attendant.
In the videos, passengers can be heard demanding to speak directly with the pilots. The flight attendant stands firm, blocking access to the cockpit door. Some individuals become aggressive, shouting abuses at the crew member. Meanwhile, other passengers record the unfolding scene on their mobile phones.
Another recording, taken from an onboard camera, reveals one passenger kicking the L1 door of the aircraft in anger. This act highlighted the escalating tension during the prolonged wait.
Airline Follows Protocol for Unruly Passengers
IndiGo confirmed that two passengers behaved inappropriately during the waiting period. The airline declared them unruly and followed established protocols. As a result, authorities asked them to deboard the aircraft. Security agencies then took them into custody.
Throughout the delay, IndiGo provided meals and refreshments to passengers multiple times. Airport staff remained available to assist customers, ensuring their needs were addressed despite the challenging circumstances.
This incident underscores the challenges airlines face with operational delays and passenger management. It also highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols during such situations.
