IndiGo asks 6 passengers to get off plane and denies to fly; airlines clarifies
IndiGo’s ground staff at Kenpegowda International Airport in Bengaluru reportedly asked six passengers to deboard a Chennai-bound flight.
Bengaluru: IndiGo’s ground staff at Kenpegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru reportedly persuaded six passengers to deboard a Chennai-bound flight, assuring them an alternative arrangement. However, as the passengers disembarked, they realized they had been misled, with IndiGo purportedly refusing to operate the flight with only eight individuals on board.
The incident occurred around 9:30 pm on Sunday, affecting passengers on IndiGo flight 6E478 from Amritsar to Chennai via Bengaluru. According to reports, the ground staff convinced the eight passengers, including elderly individuals, to leave the aircraft, promising them seats on another flight. Subsequently, these passengers discovered they had to stay overnight in Bengaluru, disrupting their originally planned journey.
Passengers shared their frustration, highlighting the inconvenience caused by the unexpected turn of events. They claimed the airline failed to arrange accommodation despite disrupting their travel plans.
One passenger recounted the experience, stating, “Six passengers, including I, were seated in the plane on the Bengaluru tarmac when I received a call on my mobile phone from an IndiGo ground crew member asking me to get off the flight as he was waiting for me inside the airport with my boarding pass for another flight, ready to depart to Chennai.”
Similar phone calls were allegedly made to other affected passengers, creating confusion and dissatisfaction among travelers.
In response to the incident, IndiGo issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused. The airline explained that the delay of the incoming aircraft from Amritsar resulted in the six transit passengers being unable to board the onward flight to Chennai at Bengaluru Airport.
The statement read, “IndiGo ground staff made every possible effort to help passengers make the connection, but due to a lack of time, they were unable to board the aircraft. IndiGo staff offered the passengers overnight accommodation and booking on the next available flight, but certain passengers chose to stay at the airport lounge. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to the passengers.”