‘Duty Hours Over!’ IndiGo Pilot Refuses Takeoff, Flight Delayed 5 Hours | WATCH

An IndiGo flight from Pune to Bengaluru faced a significant delay on September 24, after the pilot refused to take off, citing duty time limitations. The incident, which led to a five-hour delay, has drawn widespread attention after a video capturing the frustration of passengers went viral on social media.

Pilot’s Decision Based on Safety Protocols

The flight, scheduled to depart Pune at 12:45 AM, eventually took off at 5:44 AM, landing in Bengaluru around 6:50 AM, according to data from FlightRadar24. The delay occurred after the pilot stated he would exceed his permissible working hours, a regulation put in place by aviation authorities to ensure passenger safety.

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Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar clarified the situation in a viral post, stating that pilots cannot exceed their duty limits without facing penalties, including potential repercussions on their licenses. “The pilot knows what he’s doing. He didn’t cause the delay – safety protocols did,” Lazar explained, emphasizing the importance of such regulations for the safety of passengers and crew.

Passenger Frustration Amid Lack of Communication

While the pilot’s decision was grounded in safety, the passengers onboard expressed dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled. In the viral video, passengers can be seen standing up and demanding an explanation, while the pilot is shown closing the cockpit door. The lack of clear communication from the airline further fueled frustration.

A post on Instagram claimed that passengers were not provided with refreshments during the extended wait and that no compensation was offered. Many took to social media to voice their displeasure with the way the situation was managed, questioning why they had to remain onboard for such an extended period without adequate information.

IndiGo Responds to the Incident

IndiGo released a statement on September 30, acknowledging the delay and explaining that it was due to “operational reasons related to flight duty time limitations.” The airline added that customers had been informed of the delay and assured that their team was available to assist passengers throughout the wait.

“Flight 6E 361 scheduled to operate from Pune to Bengaluru on September 24, 2024, was delayed due to operational reasons related to flight duty time limitations. Customers were kept informed about the delay and our team was available throughout the duration to assist customers. We apologize for any inconvenience caused,” the airline’s statement read.

Aviation Safety and Regulations at the Forefront

While the delay understandably caused inconvenience to passengers, aviation experts reiterated that such regulations exist to ensure safety, and pilots must adhere to them. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for better communication from airlines when such delays occur, as well as improved services for passengers during extended wait times.

As the video continues to circulate online, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of air travel, where safety regulations must balance with customer satisfaction.