An IndiGo passenger on a Mumbai to Kolkata flight has been declared unruly after allegedly assaulting a co-traveller mid-air, creating panic and disruption during the journey. The incident took place earlier this week and has sparked fresh concerns over passenger conduct and airline safety protocols.

According to official sources, the passenger had reported discomfort, possibly due to a panic attack, and requested to deboard the aircraft after boarding had been completed. This led to a significant commotion inside the cabin, as other passengers opposed the request fearing a delayed departure. The verbal exchange between the distressed flyer and some other passengers soon escalated into a physical altercation.

What happened on the flight?

The IndiGo flight, operating between Mumbai and Kolkata, had already begun final preparations for take-off when the commotion broke out. A male passenger, reportedly in his mid-30s, started expressing discomfort and pleaded with the crew to let him deboard the aircraft. Eyewitnesses said he looked anxious, sweating, and repeatedly said he wasn’t feeling well.

While cabin crew tried to calm the passenger and assess the situation, his request sparked a protest from other travellers, many of whom were concerned about the resulting delay if the aircraft had to return to the gate or offload him and his baggage.

As the atmosphere inside the aircraft turned tense, an argument broke out between the distressed passenger and a co-traveller seated nearby. What started as a heated exchange quickly turned physical, with the distressed flyer allegedly shoving or striking the other passenger. The crew and fellow passengers intervened swiftly to separate the two.

Airline confirms unruly behaviour

In an official statement issued later, IndiGo confirmed the incident and stated that the passenger involved had been classified as unruly under civil aviation norms.

"One passenger onboard flight 6E-[flight number withheld] from Mumbai to Kolkata exhibited unruly behaviour, including physically assaulting another passenger. Our crew followed SOPs and reported the incident to relevant authorities upon arrival. The safety and security of all passengers is our top priority," the airline said.

IndiGo further stated that the crew remained composed, did not deboard the distressed passenger during taxiing, and escalated the matter to aviation authorities once the flight landed in Kolkata.

DGCA guidelines and possible ban

As per DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) rules, airlines are empowered to declare passengers unruly and recommend a flying ban depending on the severity of their actions. The Unruly Passenger Committee—a three-member panel comprising airline staff, security, and an independent member—can decide on bans ranging from 3 months to life.

Under Level 2 (physically abusive behaviour), a ban of up to 6 months may be imposed. Sources indicate that IndiGo has already initiated proceedings under the DGCA framework.

Civil Aviation security officials told media that the crew had filed a detailed report, and the incident is being reviewed for appropriate punitive action, including placing the individual on the No-Fly List.

A DGCA official remarked, “Such incidents threaten passenger safety and will not be tolerated. Once found guilty, the individual will face suspension from flying and legal consequences under aviation law.”

Panic attacks and mental health mid-flight

The episode also highlights the growing concerns around in-flight anxiety, panic attacks, and lack of mental health preparedness in air travel. With increasing flight volumes and passenger diversity, airlines are facing more cases of medical and psychological distress mid-air.

While airlines are trained to handle medical emergencies, situations involving mental unease or panic-induced behaviour remain grey areas. Aviation psychologist Dr. Smita Narang said:

“The anxiety triggered by enclosed spaces, fear of flying, or general stress can lead to panic attacks. Passengers experiencing these need empathy, not confrontation. However, when behaviour becomes erratic or violent, safety protocols must take over.”

IndiGo stated that it is reviewing this case in detail to assess whether the passenger’s actions were due to a medical condition or deliberate aggression. The airline will also offer additional training to its crew on recognising and responding to mental health distress during flights.

Witness accounts: a tense atmosphere

Multiple passengers onboard took to social media and described the flight as "high tension" and "unsettling." One passenger wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"The man seemed genuinely scared and was crying, asking to be let out. But others got irritated, saying he was wasting time. Then he hit someone. Crew had to hold him back until we landed."

Another user questioned why the passenger was allowed to board in such a condition and urged airlines to screen passengers better for mental well-being.

Yet another flyer praised the IndiGo staff for handling the situation professionally, saying, "The crew stayed calm, didn’t panic, and kept things under control. It could have gotten worse."

Legal action and next steps

It is expected that the passenger will be questioned by aviation security and possibly face charges under the Indian Aircraft Act, especially for causing disturbance or endangering other passengers.

While no FIR has been confirmed so far, a senior airport official said the police have been informed and are reviewing CCTV footage, witness testimonies, and crew reports. The case may also be referred to the civil aviation grievance redressal body.

If placed on the No-Fly List, the individual may be barred from boarding any Indian commercial flight during the ban period. This will affect his ability to travel across carriers like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Akasa Air, and even international code-share partners.

A pattern of in-flight incidents

This incident adds to the growing list of disruptive passenger behaviour reported in Indian skies in recent years. Cases of alcohol-induced brawls, misbehaving flyers, and violations of crew instructions have increased post-COVID.

The DGCA has issued circulars asking airlines to maintain stricter discipline and de-escalation protocols, as well as conduct awareness campaigns for passengers about acceptable in-flight behaviour.

Aviation expert Harish Khanna says:

“Air travel is a shared space. Disruptive behaviour by one person affects hundreds. While mental health must be handled with compassion, aggression inside a plane is a serious safety concern.”

Conclusion

The IndiGo Mumbai-Kolkata flight incident underscores the delicate balance between passenger compassion and safety enforcement in Indian aviation. With the passenger now facing the prospect of a flying ban and legal action, airlines are reminded once again of the need to strengthen training, early detection, and swift response to behavioural incidents mid-air.

The DGCA is expected to review IndiGo’s report and decide on formal penalties in the coming days. Meanwhile, discussions on how to sensitively manage in-flight mental distress without compromising safety are gaining urgency among India’s airline regulators and stakeholders.

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