Over 200 passengers on IndiGo flight 6E1025 from Chennai to Singapore remained stuck inside the aircraft for nearly five hours on Tuesday, sparking frustration and viral videos of heated exchanges with airline staff.
IndiGo explained that the aircraft returned to the bay after a minor technical issue was detected. During inspection and maintenance, the operating cockpit crew crossed their permitted duty time limits, forcing a mandatory crew change. The airline stated that it offered refreshments and updates, stressing that passenger safety remained its top priority.
Passengers shared a different account on social media. Videos showed travellers demanding clarity about the delay, asking about the pilot, and expressing discomfort. Reports confirmed that infants, elderly passengers, and professionals were among those stranded. Some passengers requested to disembark but were not allowed for a long period.
The flight, scheduled to depart at 7:30 am, finally took off close to noon after a replacement pilot arrived around 11 am. Passengers alleged that the original pilot left midway through the delay due to duty-hour restrictions.
