On an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Goa, tensions reached a tipping point when Sahil Kataria, after enduring a 13-hour delay, assaulted co-pilot Anup Kumar. Russian model and actor Evgenia Belskaia, onboard with her team, shared that the delay exacerbated passenger frustration, which was further fueled by the pilot blaming the passengers for missing their slot due to numerous questions. Belskaia condemned the physical assault but also criticized the pilot for not providing the support the passengers needed during the extended delay caused by dense fog at the Delhi airport.
The incident, which was captured in videos that went viral, resulted in Kataria’s arrest. He was later released on bail, having apologized for his conduct. The assault sparked a strong reaction from Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who stressed that unruly behavior would be dealt with robustly. Consequently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an SOP mandating airlines to ensure accurate real-time updates on delays and proactive communication with passengers, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The assault on the pilot also prompted discussions about the nature of air travel, the reasonableness of passengers, and the factors that are within or beyond control, like weather situations. TK Arun, a senior journalist, opined that while passengers ought to be reasonable, airlines should endeavor to meet reasonable expectations. The overall sentiment echoed in various reactions is the need for empathy for passengers who find themselves trapped in uncomfortable circumstances, but at the same time, a firm stand against endangering flight operations and the safety of crew and passengers.