NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — IndiGo airlines passenger Sahil Kataria assaulted co-pilot Anup Kumar following a 13-hour delay for a flight from Delhi to Goa. Russian model Evgenia Belskaia, who witnessed the incident, blamed the captain for aggravating tensions amid frustrated passengers. In a viral video, Kataria is seen hitting the co-pilot during an announcement about the delay, leading to his subsequent arrest. Belskaia criticized the pilot for blaming passengers, adding fuel to the already tense situation.
The incident occurred amidst widespread flight disruptions at Delhi airport due to dense fog. Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia strongly condemned the unruly behavior, emphasizing its unacceptability. In response, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an SOP to improve communication during flight delays.
IndiGo Airlines reported that Kataria, a toy business owner, assaulted the co-pilot, leading to his potential inclusion in the “no-fly list.” The video depicts the chaotic moments inside the aircraft, with crew members shouting at Kataria, who was later escorted off the plane by security personnel.
The incident triggered debates on social media, with viewers criticizing both the passenger and IndiGo for alleged incompetence in handling delays. Some cited the lack of communication from the pilot about the delay, although it didn’t justify the assault. Bollywood actress Radhika Apte also shared her grievances about an unrelated incident involving a crew change and passengers being locked inside an IndiGo flight at Mumbai airport.
As the situation unfolded, passengers resorted to unconventional measures, sitting on the tarmac and having meals next to a diverted IndiGo plane in Mumbai. Air India expressed regret for disruptions caused by dense fog, acknowledging challenges at their main Delhi hub.
The incident highlights the need for improved communication and passenger facilitation during adverse weather conditions, as addressed in the DGCA’s issued SOP. Investigations are underway, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and safety in aviation amidst challenging circumstances.
