More than 200 Singapore-bound IndiGo passengers departing from Chennai were reportedly stuck on their plane for around five hours on Tuesday, a delay exceeding the actual flight time.
The ordeal gained widespread attention after a viral video emerged showing distraught passengers confronting airline staff.
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However, Indigo officials attributed the breach to a technical glitch; the pilot reportedly detected an abnormally high temperature in the cabin and alerted the engineering department. However, by the time the mechanical problem was resolved, the cockpit crew had exceeded their mandatory flight time limitations (FDTL), necessitating a crew change.
“We had to arrange for a replacement crew, which took time,” he said Indigo answer said, according to a Times of India message.
A passenger posted on social media that he let them suffocate because the air conditioning was working sporadically.
“There was no clear explanation and no transparent communication. The cabin’s air conditioning was turned on and off repeatedly. There were infants, children, elderly passengers and working professionals on board. Passengers who asked to get off the plane due to discomfort were not allowed to do so for a considerable period of time,” one of the passengers said, according to the report..
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In addition, passengers alleged that they were threatened with CISF intervention rather than being given a transparent explanation for the significant failure.
Flight 6E1025 was originally scheduled to depart at 7:30 a.m. with boarding at 6:30 a.m., but the aircraft remained grounded well past its scheduled time.
According to those on board, the first pilot left the plane during the delay, citing working hours regulations. The replacement pilot eventually reported for duty at 11:00 a.m., allowing the flight to finally depart at noon.
On the contrary, Indigo representatives insisted passengers were kept informed throughout the wait and were served refreshments during the transition.
IndiGo launches direct flights from Navi Mumbai Airport to 6 cities
IndiGo has introduced a new set of direct flight routes connecting Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) with Ahmedabad, Diu, Goa, Rajkot, Belgaum and Kolhapur, starting from 29 March 2026. In a formal announcement, the carrier confirmed that it will deploy its ATR fleet on these routes, strengthening its regional airline at NMIA.
These new offerings expand IndiGo’s presence in Navi Mumbai by providing flexible schedules and more efficient travel options.
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By expanding its ATR-operated network, the airline aims to stimulate regional aviation, boost local economies and tourism, and bridge the gap between major hubs and Tier 2 or 3 cities with reliable connectivity.
However, earlier this month, IndiGo revealed adjustments to its long-haul international operations that included the suspension or curtailment of some services due to external logistical hurdles. The press release clarified that these adjustments are intended to stabilize flight schedules and reduce passenger frustration.
The airline noted that its wide-body Boeing 787-9 fleet was experiencing difficulties due to shifting geopolitical airspace restrictions and congestion at domestic and foreign airports. These complications increase the flight time and significantly burden the long-haul transport department, which currently uses six wide-body aircraft. To ensure on-time performance and avoid the domino effect of delays or missed connections, the company has opted for strategic, selective curtailments of its international network.
