Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Feb 25: Over 200 passengers onboard an IndiGo flight from Chennai to Singapore allegedly endured a prolonged delay of more than four hours inside the aircraft, leading to protests and heated exchanges with the cabin crew.

The incident occurred on February 24 at Chennai International Airport. Flight 6E 1025, scheduled to depart at 7.20 am, reportedly took off around 11.39 am, marking a delay of over four hours. Some sources indicated the aircraft finally departed closer to 1 pm.

Videos circulating on social media showed agitated passengers questioning airline staff as the delay continued. Travellers claimed they were not allowed to deboard for a considerable period and were made to remain seated inside the aircraft throughout the delay.

In one video, a passenger complained of poor ventilation, alleging that the cabin air-conditioning was repeatedly switched on and off. “We were unable to breathe… instead of resolving the issue, you have brought a policeman,” the passenger was heard saying.
Another traveller questioned the uncertainty, asking how long passengers were expected to wait without clear communication.

Several passengers took to social media to express their frustration. One user alleged that infants, children, elderly passengers and working professionals were among those stranded inside the aircraft without proper updates. A post by Aviation Tamil Nadu claimed that over 200 passengers were stuck inside the flight for more than four hours without adequate ventilation or food.

Another passenger, Mageshwaran Elumalai, wrote that no one onboard was informed about the reason for the delay and urged the airline to provide timely updates.

Responding to the incident, an IndiGo spokesperson said the aircraft had returned to the bay due to a “minor technical snag.” The airline stated that while maintenance checks were being conducted, the cockpit crew exceeded their flight duty time limitations, necessitating a crew change and further delaying departure.

“We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers and did our best to minimise it by offering refreshments and sharing timely updates,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The incident has sparked debate over passenger handling and communication protocols during extended flight delays.