NEW DELHI: An unruly passenger hit a co-traveller who had a panic attack on an IndiGo Mumbai-Kolkata flight Friday. The assaulter was handed over to security agencies by the airline which is now going to initiate action under the unruly flyer rules that could see him being put on the no fly list for some time.
The victim suffered a panic attack when the aircraft was taxiing in Mumbai. He started sobbing and walking in the aisle, requesting to be allowed to alight from the plane. At this time a passenger is seen slapping this person as he was passing by his seat in videos of the assault that went viral on social media.
All other passengers and airline crew immediately came to the victim’s support. “He was comforted and seated. The aircraft then took off for its destination and had an uneventful flight,” said people in the know.
In a statement. IndiGo said: “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,” the airline added.