IndiGo Flight Delay Leaves Passengers Stranded for 16 Hours
Passengers on IndiGo flight 6E17 from Mumbai to Istanbul were stranded at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for over 16 hours on Saturday due to a technical glitch. Originally scheduled to depart at 6:55 AM, the flight eventually took off at 11 PM after the airline arranged an alternative aircraft.
In a statement, IndiGo apologized for the inconvenience and emphasized that passenger safety remained its top priority. The airline explained, “Despite our best efforts to rectify the issue and dispatch the aircraft to its destination, we eventually had to cancel the flight.”
Passengers Protest and Voice Frustrations
The extended delay led to frustration among passengers, many
of whom staged protests at the airport, demanding refunds or alternative flight arrangements. Sources reported that the flight was delayed at least three times, with passengers being asked to board and deboard multiple times before the final departure.
Social media platforms were flooded with complaints from passengers. One user, Sonam Saigal, expressed her frustration, stating that her brother had been stuck at the airport for over 12 hours. She described the situation as “extremely unprofessional,” adding that the airline staff was unresponsive to questions about rescheduling or refunds.
Another passenger, Sachin Chintalwad, raised concerns about missing his connecting flight to Washington, which was also operated by IndiGo. He urged the airline to provide guidance on alternative solutions.
Grievances Highlight Service Gaps
Biresh Kumar Singh, another stranded passenger, described the situation as chaotic. He detailed how passengers were repeatedly moved between the aerobridge and waiting area, with no clarity on when the flight would depart. Singh criticized the airline for what he termed “pathetic service” and accused it of taking passengers for granted.
Many passengers, including students and those with tight schedules, were particularly impacted by the delay. Some pointed out the lack of adequate communication from the airline staff, exacerbating their frustration.
Flight Finally Departs at 11 PM
After hours of uncertainty, IndiGo arranged for an alternate aircraft, and flight 6E17 finally departed for Istanbul at 11 PM. In its statement, the airline reiterated that safety and comfort are its primary concerns.
This incident has raised questions about how airlines handle prolonged delays and communicate with passengers during disruptions. For many affected travelers, the experience underscored the importance of transparency and effective service in crisis situations.
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