In response to a viral video depicting a passenger assaulting a pilot on a Delhi-Goa IndiGo flight amid a series of flight delays and cancellations due to fog, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia issued a stern warning to "unruly" passengers on Monday. Addressing the unacceptable incidents of unruly behavior, he emphasized that such actions would be dealt with firmly, in alignment with existing legal provisions. Even as Scindia reassured passengers that all stakeholders were tirelessly working to minimize the impact of fog-related disruptions, he acknowledged the severity of the situation.
The passenger responsible for assaulting the pilot, identified as Sahil Katariya, was subsequently arrested, and IndiGo has referred the matter to an internal committee with a request for his inclusion on the "no-fly list." The incident unfolded as the IndiGo pilot announced a delay in takeoff at the Delhi airport amidst dense fog and low visibility.
The video capturing the assault shows Katariya rushing towards the pilot inside the aircraft and physically attacking him. A flight attendant standing beside the pilot is seen attempting to defuse the situation, visibly distraught and shedding tears. The police reported that the passenger was agitated due to a prolonged flight delay.
The IndiGo flight eventually departed from Delhi at 6 pm after a delay exceeding 10 hours, according to the flight tracking website flightradar24. The incident unfolded against the backdrop of chaotic conditions at various airports, particularly in Delhi, where numerous flights faced delays or cancellations due to dense fog. On Monday, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport witnessed over 100 flight delays and five diversions.
In a post on X, Scindia highlighted the "unprecedented" fog in Delhi, leading to zero visibility between 5 am to 9 am on some occasions. He underscored that passenger safety remained the paramount priority and announced that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would issue guidelines for airlines to enhance communication and facilitation for passengers affected by flight cancellations and delays due to adverse weather conditions.
Delving into the issue of unruly flyers, Scindia pointed out the DGCA's prescribed rules to prevent such behavior on flights, classifying it as a punishable offense. Levels of unruly behavior were delineated, ranging from disruptive conduct to physically abusive behavior and even life-threatening actions. Depending on the level, passengers can be placed on a no-fly list upon investigation. The DGCA's guidelines emphasize the role of an independent internal panel to investigate incidents, with potential bans of up to 30 days during the probe. However, passengers placed on the no-fly list have the right to appeal before an appellate committee within 60 days, and the decision of this committee is deemed final. Subsequently, if dissatisfied, passengers can resort to legal avenues.
