IndiGo Faces ₹1.2 Crore Fine for Violating Regulations: Passengers Eating on Mumbai Airport Tarmac Sparks Controversy
IndiGo Faces ₹1.2 Crore Fine as Passengers Spark Controversy by Dining on Mumbai Airport Tarmac
By [Errraand News]
Date: [17/01/2024]
Mumbai, India – IndiGo Airlines is under scrutiny after a social media user posted a video capturing passengers dining on the tarmac at Mumbai airport, triggering a significant fine from the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The video, depicting IndiGo Goa-Delhi passengers casually enjoying a meal next to the airline’s plane, went viral, prompting a swift response from aviation authorities.
According to the latest reports on Wednesday, the BCAS has imposed a hefty fine of ₹1.20 crore on IndiGo for the incident. Additionally, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), the operator of Mumbai airport, is facing a total fine of ₹90 lakh – ₹60 lakh by the BCAS and ₹30 lakh by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The controversy unfolded on Tuesday when a social media user shared a video capturing passengers engaging in dining activities on the airport’s tarmac. In the viral footage, individuals can be seen seated on the ground, enjoying a meal, sharing food, using mobile phones, and resting in close proximity to the IndiGo plane.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation swiftly responded by issuing a show cause notice to both IndiGo airline and Mumbai international airport. The notice raised questions about the apparent violation of aviation security protocols and the unusual scene of passengers dining on the airport tarmac.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport released a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident. It explained that IndiGo Flight 6E 2195 from Goa to Delhi was diverted due to unfavorable weather conditions. The flight, already significantly delayed in Goa, prompted irate passengers to disembark quickly once connected to the step ladder.
The airport’s statement continued, stating that passengers, refusing to board the airline coach to proceed to the Terminal Building, were cordoned off by the airport operators in coordination with the Central Industrial Security Force’s Quick Response Team. The passengers remained under the strict watch of airline authorities and security until further actions were taken.
In response to the escalating situation, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia convened a midnight meeting with ministry officials. Following this, the BCAS issued the notice to IndiGo and the Mumbai airport on Tuesday, invoking Rule 51 of the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023.
The notice specifically cited the failure of IndiGo and Mumbai International Airport to observe aviation security procedures with Flight 6E 2195, which was diverted to Mumbai on January 14. An official familiar with the matter criticized both entities, stating that they were not proactive in anticipating the situation and making appropriate facilitation arrangements for passengers at the airport.
The viral video and subsequent fine highlight the importance of adherence to aviation security protocols and the need for efficient crisis management in the aviation industry. IndiGo and Mumbai International Airport now face both financial penalties and heightened scrutiny as they address the fallout from this incident. The aviation community and the public will be closely watching for further developments and the actions taken by the concerned authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.