DELHI, 15th Jan 2024 :In a shocking incident aboard an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Goa, a video capturing a passenger physically assaulting the pilot has gone viral on social media, raising serious concerns about passenger behavior and airline safety.
The distressing episode unfolded on flight 6E-2175, which faced significant delays due to dense fog conditions at the Delhi airport. Tensions among passengers were on the rise as the delays stretched for hours, creating an environment of frustration and impatience.
The situation took a horrifying turn when a passenger, later identified as Sahil Kataraia wearing a yellow hoodie, attacked the pilot during an announcement addressing the delays. The assault, captured in the viral video, shows the passenger running up to the captain and physically striking him on the face. A quick-thinking flight attendant intervened, standing in front of the captain to shield him from further harm. Another individual, donned in a sky blue hoodie, pulled the assailant away as chaos unfolded within the cabin.
The assault occurred after the original crew had been replaced in accordance with Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations, aimed at ensuring the well-being of flight crews by mandating sufficient rest periods to mitigate fatigue.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation on social media, with calls for strict action against the assailant, including placement on a no-fly list. An FIR has been registered, and IndiGo has filed a complaint against Sahil Kataraia.
The Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident, which has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of airline staff and the impact of operational pressures on both employees and passengers.
This disturbing event transpired against a backdrop of escalating complaints against IndiGo for delays and cancellations. Notably, actor Radhika Apte shared her own negative experience on Instagram, describing how passengers were confined at the aerobridge of Mumbai airport without access to food or restrooms.
Delhi airport experienced severe disruptions, with flight tracker website flightradar24 reporting 110 flights delayed and 79 canceled on the same day, averaging a delay of 50 minutes. Major airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara, have issued warnings that adverse weather conditions may persist, affecting flight schedules.
The incident has prompted a broader reflection on the treatment of airline staff and the need for stricter measures to ensure the safety and well-being of both passengers and aviation personnel. The DGCA’s ongoing investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the assault and contribute to efforts to enhance safety measures within the aviation industry.
