The recent heavy snowfall in Delhi unleashed turmoil on air travel, significantly affecting the schedule of a Goa to Delhi-bound IndiGo flight. Originally set for a 10:45 am departure, the flight faced a 12-hour delay, finally taking off at 10:06 pm. However, due to adverse weather conditions, it was redirected to Mumbai, causing further inconvenience for already frustrated passengers.
Upon arrival in Mumbai at 11:10 pm, passengers were asked to disembark, leading to tense confrontations with airline staff. The limited entry facilities in the airport compounded the challenges, with some passengers opting to sit on the floor despite the freezing temperatures. This incident was captured in a video posted by a passenger, Ansit Sayal, which quickly went viral.
In the 6-second video, passengers were seen sitting under the front door of the plane, eating, looking at their mobile phones, and taking selfies. Wooden logs and water bottles were scattered next to them. The viral video prompted the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to issue show cause notices to both IndiGo Airlines and the Mumbai airport management.
IndiGo defended its actions, citing passengers' refusal to leave the area. The airline claimed that the Central Industrial Security Force was involved in ensuring the safety and surveillance of the disgruntled passengers.
This incident comes just days after a passenger attacked a pilot following a flight delay from Delhi to Goa, highlighting the rising tensions and frustrations among air travelers grappling with unexpected disruptions. The ongoing challenges in air travel underscore the need for improved contingency planning and communication strategies in the face of weather-related disturbances.