IndiGo Faces Passenger Backlash After Mumbai-Doha Flight Delay and Previous AC Issues

IndiGo Airlines recently encountered a passenger backlash following a delay on its Mumbai-Doha flight. Passengers reported being trapped inside the aircraft for nearly five hours before being asked to deboard. The situation has been exacerbated by previous complaints about air conditioning problems on another IndiGo flight.

The IndiGo flight 6E 1303, scheduled to depart from Mumbai to Doha at 3:55 am, faced a significant delay due to a technical issue with the aircraft. According to passenger accounts, they were initially kept waiting inside the plane before being moved to the immigration waiting area at Mumbai airport. Approximately 250 to 300 passengers were affected by this situation.

IndiGo issued a statement addressing the incident. “IndiGo flight 6E 1303 operating from Mumbai to Doha was delayed due to a technical reason. Our airport team immediately provided assistance to the affected customers and provided refreshments and necessary arrangements,” said an IndiGo spokesperson. The airline explained that despite several attempts to depart, the flight was ultimately cancelled due to extended delays caused by procedural issues. Passengers were provided with hotel accommodation and rebooking arrangements.

Passengers expressed their frustration, with some claiming they were not allowed to deboard because of immigration issues. One passenger described the situation, saying, “We were not allowed to deboard the plane because immigration was over. They allowed us to wait in a holding area after we fought with them. No official is talking to us.”

Another passenger reported a lack of basic amenities, saying, “It is chaos over here. People are worried as their jobs are at risk. Passengers are waiting with their children. We were not given any water or food.”

This incident follows a similar controversy involving IndiGo flight 6E 2235 from Delhi to Varanasi on September 5. Passengers complained of severe discomfort due to an air conditioning issue, with some fainting from heat and suffocation. The video showing chaotic scenes inside the aircraft went viral, prompting a swift response from the airline.

IndiGo explained that there was no malfunction with the air conditioning system. The airline clarified that a shift in temperature, combined with adjustments made based on passenger requests, contributed to the discomfort. IndiGo assured the public that its cabin crew provided immediate assistance to those affected.

This is not the first instance of passenger dissatisfaction related to IndiGo’s cabin conditions. Earlier in June, passengers on a Delhi-Bagdogra flight reported similar issues with the air conditioning system. IndiGo attributed the problem to high ground temperatures affecting operations, which led to a delay and discomfort for passengers, particularly the elderly.

IndiGo Airlines is currently addressing the fallout from these incidents, with significant public and media scrutiny. The airline has apologised for the inconveniences faced by passengers and has made efforts to rectify the situation by offering compensation and assistance. However, these repeated issues underscore ongoing concerns about IndiGo’s handling of technical and operational challenges.