IndiGo Replied After Video Of Pilot Refusing To Fly Pune-Bengaluru Flight Went Viral

A video of an IndiGo pilot refusing to fly due to expired duty hours went viral on social media. The IndiGo flight from Pune to Bengaluru was delayed by five hours due to this reason. In the video, the enraged passengers can be heard questioning the captain and the IndiGo staff for the delay. The incident took place on September 24, and an X user recently published the video of the incident.

In the video, a passenger can be seen asking the captain to come out of the cockpit and give a reason for the delay. In response, the captain closes the cockpit door. A lady passenger in the video says,

“So this is how they close the door because they have no answer.”

An X user, Ayush Kumar, recorded the situation and posted the video, by writing:

“IndiGo flight 6E from Pune to Bengaluru delayed for 5 hours after the pilot refused to take off due to his work hours ending. Passengers were left stranded with no refreshments, no compensation. Absolute disregard for customer service. How can this be allowed?”

IndiGo flight 6E from Pune to Bengaluru delayed for 5 hours after the pilot refused to take off due to his work hours ending.Passengers were left stranded with no refreshments, no compensation.Absolute disregard for customer service. How can this be allowed? @IndiGo6E @DGCAIndia pic.twitter.com/WCDFtrqNwR

— Ayush Kumar (@ayushux) October 1, 2024

IndiGo finally replied to the viral video

IndiGo released a statement after the video went viral. Various media reports suggest that the airline stated that the flight was delayed for operational reasons. IndiGo wrote,

“Flight 6E 361 scheduled to operate from Pune to Bengaluru on September 24,
2024, was delayed due to operational reasons related to flight duty time
limitations. Customers were kept informed about the delay and our team was
available throughout the duration to assist customers. We apologise for any
inconvenience caused”.

After the video was circulated on the internet, some users slammed the budget airline.

Explaining the situation, aviation expert, Sanjay Lazar, said,

“Do understand that Pilot & Crew duty time limits are set by regulators Worldwide – for the safety of the passengers. It’s not like a factory where workers can clock in & out when needed. The pilots CANT exceed their Duty limits as it invites penalty from the DGCA including implications for their license. Incidentally, unauthorised extensions of FDTL will also invalidate your flight insurance as an airline or as a flying passenger. So in the interests of flight safety, the pilot knows what he is doing, please let him be. He didn’t cause the delay!! [sic]”

The airline also made headlines earlier this week when a group of passengers scheduled to travel on an IndiGo flight screamed at the ground staff. The passengers faced backlash on social media after a video of them screaming at an airport went viral.

What are your thoughts about this situation? Have you traveled on IndiGo before? How was your experience, share in the comments.