Pune: An IndiGo pilot's refusal to operate a Pune-Bangalore flight due to duty hour restrictions has resulted in significant delays and mixed reactions from passengers and social media users alike. The incident involved flight 6E 361, which was scheduled to depart at 12:45 am on September 24, 2024, but took off nearly five hours later, at 5:44 am, landing in Bengaluru at 6:49 am, as reported by TIE. The controversy gained traction after a video went viral, showing frustrated passengers confronting the pilot and IndiGo crew about the lengthy delay. According to reports, the pilot stated that flying the flight would have exceeded his permissible working hours. In the footage, he is seen closing the cockpit door after being called out by passengers for an explanation.Social media reactions were divided. While some users sided with the passengers, others defended the pilot and called for accountability from IndiGo’s management. Many passengers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustrations.
One passenger, Lokesh MK, tweeted, “@MoCA_GoI indigo flight getting delayed by 3 hours at pune airport flight number 6E 361 from pune to Bengaluru and no response kindly help on this immediate effect.” Another passenger, Ayush Kumar, shared a video of the passengers’ outrage, stating, “IndiGo flight 6E from Pune to Bengaluru delayed for 5 hours after the pilot refused to take off due to his work hours ending. Passengers were left stranded with no refreshments, no compensation. Absolute disregard for customer service. How can this be allowed? @IndiGo6E @DGCAIndia.”IndiGo flight 6E from Pune to Bengaluru delayed for 5 hours after the pilot refused to take off due to his work hours ending.Passengers were left stranded with no refreshments, no compensation.Absolute disregard for customer service. How can this be allowed? @IndiGo6E @DGCAIndia pic.twitter.com/WCDFtrqNwR
— Ayush Kumar (@ayushux) October 1, 2024
In response to the unfolding situation, IndiGo confirmed the delay in a statement released on September 30. The airline stated, “Flight 6E 361 scheduled to operate from Pune to Bengaluru on September 24, 2024, was delayed due to operational reasons related to flight duty time limitations. Customers were kept informed about the delay and our team was available throughout the duration to assist customers. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."@MoCA_GoI indigo flight getting delayed by 3 hours at pune airport flight number 6E0 361 from pune to Bengaluru and no response kindly help on this immediately effect
— Lokesh M K (@mklokesh) September 23, 2024
