Indigo Responds After Video Of Passengers Having Dinner On Mumbai Airport Runway Goes Viral

The emergence of airplanes as the primary means of transportation has transformed international connections. Due to its exceptional speed and ease of use, it has emerged as a highly favored mode of transportation. Air travel, with its ability to connect distant corners of the world swiftly, has become integral to international business, tourism, and personal mobility. Air travel offers unparalleled time efficiency, enabling people and things to travel the world in a few short hours.

However, while it gives many people a memorable experience, sometimes its bad management becomes a nightmare. One of the most significant factors contributing to setbacks is poor management. Airlines still confront many difficulties despite the industry’s achievements. Poor management can make matters worse and have unfavorable effects. The main negative impact is a reduction in safety standards. Inadequate maintenance procedures, antiquated machinery, and inadequate employee training might jeopardize passenger safety.

Furthermore, in the airline business, client happiness is crucial, and subpar management can lead to a drop in service quality. A poor passenger experience is exacerbated by mishandled flights, delays, cancellations, and overbooking. Something similar recently happened with Indigo when its flight delay went so long that passengers had to wait for more than 12 hours. Not only this, but also videos of passengers dining on the runway went viral on social media platforms.

Video of Indigo passengers dining on the runway went viral on social media

Amid heavy fog in various parts of the country, a video has emerged on social media, depicting passengers of an IndiGo flight enjoying dinner on the runway after an 18-hour delay and subsequent diversion. On January 14, the plane that was supposed to take off from Goa and arrive in Delhi. However, instead, it ended up landing in Mumbai because of poor visibility in Delhi.

Frustrated by the protracted wait, travelers vented their frustrations on social media. While many of them posted how bad their experience was, others posted about how badly airlines handled the whole situation. Amid this, videos of passengers’ unusual eating experiences went viral. In one of the viral videos, passengers were seen eating food while sitting on the runway of the airport.

Passengers of IndiGo Goa-Delhi who after 12 hours delayed flight got diverted to Mumbai having dinner just next to the indigo plane..@IndiGo6E is the new @flyspicejet #Shame @JM_Scindia @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/1DTQnDHAMA

— सुधीर गर्ग 🙋 (@thesudhirgarg) January 15, 2024

Indigo Airlines reacted to the viral videos

As the video went viral, it directed severe criticism towards Indigo Airlines. In a statement, IndiGo apologized for the inconvenience and said that operational issues beyond their control were to blame for the delay. The airline issued an apology and acknowledged the occurrence, stating that the flight had to be diverted due to limited visibility. Indigo Airlines said,

“We regret this discomfort and assure you that it is never our intent to disrupt the travel plans of our flyers. However, at times, due to certain operational reasons, such delays are beyond the control of the airline. We look forward to your kind understanding.”

It added,

“We are aware of the incident involving IndiGo flight 6E2195 from Goa to Delhi on January 14, 2024. The flight was diverted to Mumbai due to low visibility conditions in Delhi. We sincerely apologize to our customers and are currently looking into the incident.”

Hope the hapless passengers are not charged additional service charges for unique location dining experience by @IndiGo6E https://t.co/hur7TAdWN5

— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) January 15, 2024

The airport also issues clarification about the situation

Additionally, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport‘s administration made it clear that bad weather was the cause of the delay. As passengers refused to board the airline coach to the terminal. Their statement reads,

“As the flight was already significantly delayed in Goa, passengers were irate and rushed out of the aircraft as soon as the step ladder was connected. The airport operators in coordination with CISF QRT cordoned off the passengers into a safety zone as passengers refused to get into the airline coach and proceed to the Terminal Building. Passengers were kept under the strict watch of the airline authorities and security until further actions were taken”