Why did the pilot of IndiGo 6E 361 leave a packed flight? You will also be surprised to know the reason”
A significant incident involving an IndiGo flight from Pune to Bengaluru has sparked widespread discussion and debate surrounding pilot duty hours and flight safety. The pilot of flight 6E 361 refused to take off on September 24, 2024, citing that his duty hours had expired, which resulted in a five-hour delay for passengers. This event has raised critical questions about airline operations, passenger rights, and safety regulations.
The flight was scheduled to depart Pune at 12:45 AM but eventually took off at 5:44 AM, landing in Bengaluru around 6:50 AM. The pilot’s refusal to operate the flight led to visible frustration among passengers, many of whom expressed their dissatisfaction through social media platforms. A viral video captured the scene, showing passengers demanding explanations from both the pilot and IndiGo crew as they waited onboard without refreshments or compensation during the extended delay.
Indigo flight was delayed for 5 hrs after Pilot refuses to take off due to work hrs ending.
Frustration pf Passengers can clearly be seen. But Why blame only the Pilot ??
Blame the company not the crew. Indigo has become a joke😤 pic.twitter.com/0ohOOTi3RG
— Avishek Goyal (@AG_knocks) October 2, 2024
Pilot’s Decision and Safety Regulations
Aviation experts have defended the pilot’s actions, emphasizing that he acted in accordance with aviation regulations designed to ensure safety. Sanjay Lazar, an aviation expert, highlighted that pilots face penalties for exceeding their duty limits, which can include repercussions on their licenses. He stated, “The pilot knows what he’s doing. He didn’t cause the delay – safety protocols did.” This perspective underscores the importance of adhering to regulations that prevent pilot fatigue, which is crucial for maintaining safety standards in aviation
.IndiGo responded to the incident by issuing a statement on September 30, explaining that the delay was due to “operational reasons related to flight duty time limitations.” The airline assured passengers that they were kept informed throughout the delay and apologized for any inconvenience caused. However, many passengers felt that communication could have been better managed during the wait.
Passenger Frustration
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about customer service in airlines, particularly during unexpected delays. Passengers expressed their concerns over being left uninformed about the situation until the pilot’s announcement. Many took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their frustrations. One passenger tweeted about being stranded without refreshments or compensation, calling it an “absolute disregard for customer service”.
In light of this incident, some passengers have called for accountability not only from the airline but also from regulatory authorities overseeing flight operations. The situation has prompted discussions about how airlines manage delays and communicate with passengers during such events.
Broader Context of Pilot Fatigue
This incident is not isolated; it reflects ongoing concerns regarding pilot fatigue within India’s aviation industry. Reports indicate that pilots often face challenging schedules that can lead to stress and fatigue. In recent years, there have been complaints about inadequate rest periods and erratic flight schedules that contribute to pilot exhaustion.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has acknowledged these concerns and has implemented measures aimed at addressing pilot fatigue. These include increasing mandatory rest periods and limiting maximum flight times. However, there are ongoing debates about how effectively these regulations are enforced and whether they adequately protect both pilots and passengers.
