A video of an IndiGo flight from Pune to Bengaluru has sparked online debate after it was delayed for five hours. The video, posted on X (formerly Twitter), shows passengers expressing their frustration after the pilot refused to operate the flight, citing exceeding his duty hour limit.
The viral video captured the passengers’ concerns as they gathered in the aircraft and questioned the delay. In a later part of the video, passengers asked the pilot for an explanation, but received no response as the pilot shut the cockpit door. A woman in the background is heard saying, “So this is how they close the door because they have no answer.”
Following the video’s viral spread, IndiGo released a statement addressing the situation. The budget airline explained that Flight 6E 361 was delayed due to “operational reasons related to flight duty time limitations.” They emphasized that passengers were kept informed about the delay and their team was available to assist. IndiGo expressed their apologies for any inconvenience caused.
The incident brought attention to the crucial role of pilot duty hour regulations in ensuring aviation safety. Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar, commenting on the situation, highlighted that these limits are enforced worldwide by regulatory bodies. He explained that pilots cannot exceed their duty limits, as doing so carries penalties from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and could even lead to license revocation. Mr. Lazar stressed that exceeding duty limits also invalidates flight insurance for both the airline and passengers.
The video has ignited discussions about the balance between passenger convenience and flight safety, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations that prioritize the well-being of those onboard.
