Waqas Hassan, the Pakistani entrepreneur who recently went viral for flying to Mumbai on an IndiGo flight, has opened up about his visit to the city, his interaction with the Mumbai airport officials, and the surprising reactions he received from the public. Hassan, 35, had a six-hour layover in Mumbai while traveling from Singapore to Saudi Arabia, which led to his viral video where he explained how he, as a Pakistani passport holder, legally entered India without a visa.
This wasn’t Hassan’s first visit to India. He had traveled to India in 2008 for a school trip when he was 18, with Amritsar and Delhi as his main stops. His first visa was an Indian visa, marking a memorable experience at the time. Recalling the trip, he said, “I’ve been to the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and even spent time at the Hare Krishna retreat center in Gurgaon.” Hassan fondly remembered his interactions with Indian students during the trip, adding, “We used to sign currency notes for each other as mementoes.”
Fast forward to his 2025 Mumbai experience, Hassan found the airport to be pleasant, though there were a few challenges. One significant moment was when he attempted to leave the airport and explore Mumbai, specifically Bandra and Shah Rukh Khan’s house, but was politely declined by officials as only diplomatic passport holders are allowed this privilege.
He also shared his observations on the change in attitudes, especially when trying to connect with locals. Hassan noticed a shift in people’s reactions towards him, particularly when he asked for a Wi-Fi hotspot. He explained, “They looked at me like, ‘You look Indian, but why don’t you have Wi-Fi?’ When I told them I was Pakistani, their demeanor changed, and they seemed apprehensive.”
Despite these challenges, Hassan praised the airport staff’s professionalism and the smooth handling of his visit. His experiences reflect a blend of nostalgia and the complexities of navigating cross-border interactions in today’s world.
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