Jyotiraditya Scindia reacts to Indigo passenger slapping pilot over flight delay

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed strong disapproval of unruly passenger behavior after an alarming incident occurred on an IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Goa. The minister took to social media to declare that such behavior is "unacceptable" and assured the public that all stakeholders are diligently working to minimize disruptions caused by fog-related issues.

Minister Promises Strong Action

In his online statement, Minister Scindia emphasized the gravity of the situation and vowed to take strong action in accordance with existing legal provisions. He assured the public that the Director General of Civil Aviation would soon issue a standard operating procedure (SOP) for airlines. This SOP aims to improve communication and facilitate passengers during flight cancellations and delays due to adverse weather conditions.

The incident unfolded against the backdrop of dense fog causing significant disruptions at the Delhi airport. On Sunday, numerous flights faced diversions, cancellations, and delays, leading to heightened frustration among passengers.

Assault on IndiGo Pilot Amidst Delay Announcement

One particularly enraged passenger on an IndiGo flight (6E 2175) took his frustration to a violent extreme. The passenger, identified as Sahil Kataria, reportedly assaulted the co-pilot, Anup Kumar, during an announcement about the delay in takeoff. A video of the incident surfaced on social media, capturing the moment of the assault.

IndiGo Takes Action: Passenger Arrested

IndiGo Airlines promptly addressed the incident, stating that the matter had been referred to an independent internal committee for potential inclusion in the "no-fly list." The airline labeled the passenger's actions as an "assault" on the co-pilot. In the viral video, other crew members can be seen admonishing Kataria after he physically attacked the pilot.

Legal Actions Against the Passenger

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) Police have taken legal action against Sahil Kataria, charging him under sections 323, 341, and 290 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, a case has been registered under section 22 of the Aircraft Rules. The charges include voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, and creating a public nuisance

As investigations unfold, the aviation community underscores the importance of passenger safety and maintaining order during challenging situations. The aviation minister's strong stance serves as a reminder that disruptive behavior will be met with stringent consequences, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring a secure and smooth travel experience for all.

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