Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said this after video of passenger slapping pilot in Indigo flight surfaces

Following an incident of a passenger assaulting a pilot on an Indigo flight coming to light through a viral video, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has issued a response.

In a social media post, Minister Scindia expressed that inappropriate conduct is unacceptable, particularly in the face of flight delays caused by fog.

Scindia stated, "Yesterday, there was substantial fog in Delhi, severely impacting visibility for several hours, with zero visibility between 5 am and 9 am. Consequently, operations on the CAT 3 runway had to be temporarily halted. CAT 3 runways cannot function in zero visibility. This decision was made prioritizing passenger safety, a paramount concern for our aviation system."

DGCA would soon release SOP for airline companies

He further mentioned that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would soon release Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for airline companies. To enhance passenger convenience during flight delays and cancellations, improved communication methods would be implemented.

Scindia urged passengers to cooperate during this challenging period, assuring that all relevant authorities are working diligently to minimize inconvenience. Simultaneously, he emphasized that incidents of unruly behavior, such as the one captured in the viral video on Sunday, are unacceptable and will be strictly addressed under existing legal provisions.

The video depicts a passenger assaulting pilot on an Indigo flight as they announce a delay. The assailant is seen approaching the pilot and slapping him, prompting another passenger to intervene and restrain the individual. During the altercation, the assailant remarks, "If you want to fly (the plane), then fly it, otherwise open the door and let us go."

The incident occurred on IndiGo flight number 6E 2175 departing from Delhi to Goa on Sunday. A widely circulated video captured Sahil Kataria, the visibly upset passenger in a yellow jacket, physically assaulting the co-pilot, Anup Kumar, during an announcement about the flight delay.

Airline establishes internal committee

Following the assault on an IndiGo pilot, the airline has promptly taken action by establishing an internal committee. This committee's mandate is to assess suitable measures, including the potential placement of the accused passenger, Sahil Kataria, on the 'No Fly List' for engaging in unruly behavior.

A senior official from IndiGo mentioned, "We've constituted an internal committee, and the incident has been forwarded to them. The committee will deliberate on the appropriate action against the passenger, including the consideration of placing him on the 'No Fly List' for unruly behavior."

Responding to a formal complaint by Anup Kumar, the Delhi police have initiated an investigation into the incident. The internal committee is anticipated to assess the gravity of the situation and determine suitable consequences for the accused passenger, potentially resulting in his inclusion in the 'No Fly List' due to disruptive behavior. Delhi Police said the passenger had been arrested.