IndiGo Responds After Anupam Mittal Blasts The Airline For Flight Delay & Poor Service

Since its start, the aviation industry has seen a tremendous transition, growing from modest beginnings to a dynamic sector. Regarding India, the development of airplanes has unquestionably been essential to linking India’s enormous and varied terrain. The roots of the Indian aviation industry can be traced back to the establishment of Tata Airlines in 1932.

The advent of several domestic and foreign businesses has signaled the sector’s tremendous expansion over time. Millions of passengers now have greater connectivity and accessibility because of the industry’s deregulation in the 1990s. However, the journey has not been without its share of difficulties, as the sector struggles with persistent problems that affect both operators and customers.

India’s aviation industry continues to confront obstacles despite its growth, with infrastructure being the main issue. Overcrowded airports, outdated technology, and limited airspace capacity often contribute to flight delays and operational inefficiencies. Furthermore, there have been complaints of misconduct by both passengers and airline staff. It’s interesting to note that not just the general population has voiced discontent with airlines’ services. Several well-known people, including celebrities, have also publicly stated their opinions.

In a recent development, IndiGo was criticized by Shaadi.com CEO Anupam Mittal on the X platform on February 8. The matter became so big that even IndiGo Airlines had to respond to it and issue an apology to him.

Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal criticizes IndiGo, alleging “inhumane” passenger treatment

The well-known judge from Shark Tank India voiced his displeasure with the airline. Mittal recounted his experience on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Mumbai. In his post, he revealed that passengers were confined to the aircraft on the tarmac for over 45 minutes, allegedly to cut costs. His flight from Mumbai to Delhi experienced an incredible two-hour delay. To make matters worse, he pointed out that there was no offer of reimbursement.

In his scathing post, Mittal questioned IndiGo, saying,

kya ho gaya tumko @IndiGo6E Mum-Delhi > 45 minute delay on tarmac without AC 🤯 so u can keep costs down. Del-Mum > 2 hr delay but will not refund the ticket 😡@DGCAIndia. this is inhumane & should be made illegal.

kya ho gaya tumko @IndiGo6E Mum-Delhi > 45 minute delay on tarmac without AC 🤯 so u can keep costs down. Del-Mum > 2 hr delay but will not refund the ticket 😡 @DGCAIndia this is inhumane & should be made illegal

— Anupam Mittal (@AnupamMittal) February 7, 2024

IndiGo Airlines issued an apology to Anupam Mittal

Responding to Mittal’s criticism, IndiGo issued an apology. They explained the inadvertent delay on the Mumbai flight, blaming it on unexpected traffic congestion. In its reply, Airlines wrote,

Mr Mittal, we extend our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused by the delay of your morning flight from Mumbai, which was inadvertently delayed by 30 minutes due to unforeseen traffic congestion (1/3)

Mr Mittal, we extend our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused by the delay of your morning flight from Mumbai, which was inadvertently delayed by 30 minutes due to unforeseen traffic congestion (1/3)

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) February 7, 2024

The airline also said that the delay on the Delhi-Mumbai route was due to a medical issue on the inbound flight

It added,

Additionally, we regret to inform you that the delay on the Delhi-Mumbai route was a result of an unexpected medical emergency on the incoming flight. Please rest assured that we understand the importance of your time and the impact such delays can have on your travel plans.(2/3)

Additionally, we regret to inform you that the delay on the Delhi-Mumbai route was a result of an unexpected medical emergency on the incoming flight. Please rest assured that we understand the importance of your time and the impact such delays can have on your travel plans.(2/3)

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) February 7, 2024

The airlines added,

We genuinely regret the inconvenience this would have caused. ~ Thanks, Team IndiGo (3/3)

We genuinely regret the inconvenience this would have caused. ~ Thanks, Team IndiGo (3/3)

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) February 7, 2024

The incident comes after an IndiGo protest on January 31 at Delhi airport, where a canceled flight to Deoghar sparked angry customers to yell anti-airline chants. Notably, this is not the first instance of complaints against IndiGo. Several incidents were previously reported which resulted in fines imposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

One such consequence featured a social media viral video of travelers eating in public close to the Mumbai airport airfield during flight delays. In relation to the incident, the DGCA penalized IndiGo ₹1.2 crore and Mumbai Airport ₹90 lakh. These kinds of incidents bring light to a pattern of ongoing difficulties the airline has encountered.