The notices highlight the failure of IndiGo to observe due aviation security procedures and report the incident to BCAS. Passengers were disembarked onto the apron and boarded onto another flight without proper security screening
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has taken action against IndiGo and Mumbai airport operator MIAL following an incident involving passengers having food on the airport tarmac. The incident occurred on Sunday when passengers from a diverted Goa-Delhi flight rushed out of the aircraft at Mumbai airport, leading to a viral video on social media.
BCAS issued show cause notices to both IndiGo and MIAL, citing passenger mistreatment and a lack of proactive measures in facilitating passengers. The aircraft was allotted a remote bay instead of a Contact Stand, depriving passengers of basic facilities like restrooms and refreshments.
The notices highlight the failure of IndiGo to observe due aviation security procedures and report the incident to BCAS. Passengers were disembarked onto the apron and boarded onto another flight without proper security screening.
Mumbai airport, operated by MIAL, also received a notice for failing to report the incident promptly. Both entities are yet to comment on the notices.
According to a statement from MIAL, the flight diversion was due to unfavourable weather conditions, leading to irate passengers disembarking hastily. Passengers were cordoned off into a safety zone by CISF QRT in coordination with the airport operator.
“IndiGo flight 6E 2195 (Goa to Delhi) was diverted due to unfavourable weather conditions. As the flight was already significantly delayed in Goa, passengers were irate and rushed out of the aircraft as soon as the step ladder was connected,” a MIAL spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.
IndiGo attributed the diversion to low visibility conditions in Delhi and apologised to customers, promising to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident underscores the importance of adhering to aviation security procedures and ensuring passenger welfare during flight operations. BCAS’s swift action reflects the seriousness with which such incidents are being addressed in the aviation sector.
