Kolkata, August 1, 2025 — A troubling video has surfaced from IndiGo flight 6E‑138 from Mumbai to Kolkata, showing a passenger slapping a fellow traveler who appeared to be in visible distress mid-flight. The assaulted passenger was reportedly experiencing a panic attack at the time of the incident.
The video, widely shared on social media, shows the nervous and visibly disturbed man being assisted by flight attendants when suddenly, the aisle-seat passenger slaps him across the face, prompting audible gasps from others nearby. The man can be heard crying loudly and a flight attendant can be heard pleading with the aggressor, “Sir, please don’t do this.”
Fellow passengers can be heard confronting the assaulter about his action.
IndiGo responded with a statement condemning what they termed as a “physical altercation” on board their flight:
“We are aware of an incident involving a physical altercation on board one of our flights. Such unruly behaviour is completely unacceptable and we strongly condemn any actions that compromise the safety and dignity of our passengers and crew.”
The airline confirmed that its crew acted per standard operating procedures, and that the aggressor was declared unruly, handed over to security authorities upon arrival, and reported to regulatory bodies.
The assailant may be placed on India’s No-Fly List, pending an internal inquiry and possible criminal charges.
Social media users expressed anger over the incident, with many calling for swift legal and regulatory action.
While the identity of the individuals involved has not been officially disclosed, the video’s circulation has sparked outrage online with many highlighting the visible Muslim identity of the victim.
IndiGo’s Full Statement
“We are aware of an incident involving a physical altercation on board one of our flights. Such unruly behaviour is completely unacceptable and we strongly condemn any actions that compromise the safety and dignity of our passengers and crew.
Our crew acted in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures. The individual involved was identified as unruly and handed over to the security authorities upon arrival. All appropriate regulatory agencies have been duly informed, in line with protocol.
We remain committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment on all our flights.”
The incident raises serious concerns about in-flight aggression toward vulnerable individuals. Under India’s civil aviation rules, 255 passengers have been placed on the ‘no-fly list’ over the past three years for various offenses.
Update (Aug 2): Bidhannagar Police has issued a statement confirming the incident and disclosing the identities of those involved. Legal action has been initiated against the aggressor.
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