Passenger Assaults IndiGo Pilot Over Flight Delay, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Action
New Delhi, 15th January 2024: In a shocking incident aboard an IndiGo flight (6 E-2175) from Delhi to Goa, a passenger identified as Sahil Kataria assaulted the aircraft pilot during an announcement about the flight delay. The disturbing video capturing the assault has gone viral on social media, prompting widespread condemnation and demands for the immediate arrest of the assailant.
In the video, Sahil Kataria, clad in a yellow jacket, is seen approaching the pilot and striking him abruptly, leading to an air hostess screaming in response. The assault was triggered by the pilot’s announcement regarding the delay, causing the enraged passenger to lash out physically.
The delay itself was attributed to a violation of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) by the initial flight crew, necessitating the arrival of new pilots who then made the announcement. IndiGo has filed a formal complaint against Sahil Kataria, and the Delhi Police have assured appropriate legal action. The aviation security agency has initiated an investigation into the incident following the circulation of the viral video.
The aviation community has been grappling with operational challenges due to reduced visibility caused by dense fog, impacting many flights and trains connecting Delhi to the rest of the country. Delhi Airport has issued warnings regarding dense fog and updated passengers on flight statuses. Today alone, 110 flights were delayed, 79 flights were canceled, and the average delay reached 50 minutes, exacerbating the frustrations of already inconvenienced passengers.
A passenger assaulted an #Indigo captain during an in-flight announcement; Delhi Police vows to pursue legal action against the assailant. pic.twitter.com/CK5kzJZR5K
— Punekar News (@punekarnews) January 15, 2024
Major airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara, have cautioned passengers about the adverse weather conditions in Delhi and Kolkata, which may continue to affect flight schedules.
In response to the viral video, users on social media, particularly Twitter (X), expressed their outrage. One user emphasized that the pilot and cabin crew were merely performing their duties and called for the arrest of the assailant, advocating for his inclusion in the no-fly list. Others echoed these sentiments, condemning such acts of violence and demanding stringent measures, including potential bans for individuals exhibiting such behavior to ensure the safety of airline crew members.
