On August 1, a disturbing incident occurred aboard IndiGo flight 6E138, operating from Mumbai to Kolkata. A passenger physically assaulted another passenger who was reportedly experiencing a panic attack, prompting widespread outrage, social media attention, and a formal response from IndiGo Airlines. The incident, captured on video and shared extensively online, has raised significant concerns about passenger conduct, airline safety protocols, and the DGCA Guidelines/management of unruly behavior in aviation.
What happened on the flight?
The incident took place on IndiGo flight 6E138, an Airbus A321 operating a domestic route from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on August 1, 2025. According to multiple sources, including news reports and social media posts, a passenger, who appeared to be suffering from a panic attack, was being assisted by IndiGo cabin crew members when another passenger, seated near the aisle, suddenly slapped the distressed individual without apparent provocation. The motive behind the assault remains unclear, though the assailant reportedly justified their action by stating, “I was having problem,” when confronted by fellow passengers.
A viral video circulating on social media platforms, including X, captured the moment of the assault. The footage shows the victim in visible distress, crying after the slap, while cabin crew members intervened to de-escalate the situation. One crew member was heard saying, “Don’t do, don’t do,” to the assailant, while another passenger challenged the aggressor, stating, “You have no right to slap him,” and noted that the victim was experiencing a panic attack, requesting water to help calm him. The victim was subsequently escorted away from the scene by the crew and seated elsewhere on the aircraft.
Upon landing in Kolkata, the assailant was handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the airport for further investigation. The airline followed its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and notified all relevant regulatory authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in accordance with aviation protocols.
The airline said it has also initiated the process of filing an “incident report.” The incident will be reviewed by a committee to determine if the passenger should be put on a “no-fly” list. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has also been informed of the matter, the airline said. A senior officer with the Bidhannagar Police said, “The passenger was detained and later released.”
IndiGo’s Official Statement
IndiGo Airlines issued the following statement on August 1 via its official X account and other channels, addressing the incident:
“We are aware of an incident involving a physical altercation on board one of our flights. Such unruly behaviour is completely unacceptable and we strongly condemn any actions that compromise the safety and dignity of our passengers and crew. Our crew acted in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures. The individual involved was identified as unruly and handed over to the security authorities upon arrival. All appropriate regulatory agencies have been duly informed, in line with protocol. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment on all our flights.“
Rules and Regulations for Unruly Behavior
Indian Aviation Regulations
In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) provides clear guidelines for handling unruly passengers under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part VI, titled “Handling of Unruly Passengers.” These regulations define an unruly passenger as one who fails to respect the rules of conduct on board an aircraft or follow crew instructions, thereby jeopardizing the safety, security, or comfort of others. Unruly behavior is categorized into three levels:
- Level 1 (Disruptive Behavior): Verbal disruptions, such as abusive language or non-compliance with crew instructions.
- Level 2 (Physically Abusive Behavior): Physical acts, such as pushing, hitting, or inappropriate touching, as seen in the IndiGo incident.
- Level 3 (Life-Threatening Behavior): Attempts to breach the cockpit, use of weapons, or actions that endanger the aircraft’s safety.
The IndiGo incident falls under Level 2, as it involved a physical assault. According to DGCA protocols, the crew is required to:
- Warn the passenger verbally and, if necessary, issue a written warning (Yellow Card).
- Restrain the passenger if the behavior escalates.
- Declare the passenger unruly and hand them over to security authorities upon landing.
- File a detailed report with the DGCA and consider placing the passenger on a no-fly list.
IndiGo’s crew followed these protocols by intervening promptly, ensuring the victim’s safety, and handing the assailant over to the CISF. The airline’s statement confirms compliance with SOPs and regulatory reporting requirements.
International Standards
Globally, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provide frameworks for managing unruly passengers. The Tokyo Convention of 1963, amended by the Montreal Protocol of 2014, empowers aircraft commanders to take reasonable measures to address disruptive behavior, including restraining passengers and handing them over to authorities at the destination. IndiGo’s actions align with these international standards, particularly in coordinating with the CISF and notifying regulatory agencies.
Consequences for Unruly Passengers
Consequences for unruly behavior in India include:
- Immediate Action: Removal from the aircraft and handover to law enforcement, as occurred in this case.
- No-Fly List: Airlines may place the passenger on a no-fly list for a specified period, subject to review by an internal committee and the DGCA.
- Legal Action: Assault is punishable under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), which carries a penalty of up to one year imprisonment or a fine. Social media posts called for such legal action in this case.
- Civil Penalties: Compensation claims by affected passengers or airlines for disruptions caused.
The IndiGo slap incident is not an isolated event but part of a growing trend of in-flight disruptions globally. A previous incident on January 14, 2024, involved a passenger assaulting an IndiGo pilot over a flight delay, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing passenger behavior under stressful conditions. Such incidents underscore the need for robust training for cabin crew, enhanced passenger screening, and public awareness campaigns about acceptable conduct.
Social Media & Public Reactions
The viral video sparked significant outrage on social media, with users condemning the assailant’s actions and calling for accountability. Prominent voices, including activist Teesta Setalvad and journalist Rana Ayyub, labeled the incident as a potential hate crime and urged legal action and inclusion on a no-fly list. While these claims reflect public sentiment, they remain speculative without official confirmation of the assailant’s motives. The incident also prompted discussions about mental health awareness and the need for better support for passengers with medical conditions like panic attacks.
The IndiGo slap incident on flight 6E138 represents a serious breach of passenger conduct, highlighting the challenges of managing unruly behavior in the confined, high-stress environment of air travel. The Flyers Model provides a valuable lens for understanding the interplay of contextual, individual, emotional, social, and regulatory factors in such incidents. IndiGo’s prompt response, adherence to SOPs, and coordination with authorities demonstrate a commitment to safety, but the incident underscores the need for broader systemic improvements in aviation. By addressing the root causes of disruptive behavior and enhancing protocols, airlines can better ensure the safety and dignity of all passengers and crew.
Connect with us at mystory@aawaazuthao.com
Also Read: