More than 200 passengers on an IndiGo flight from Chennai to Singapore were forced to remain inside the aircraft for almost five hours on Tuesday, in an ordeal that quickly drew public attention and sparked anger online. Originally scheduled to depart around 7:30 a.m., the Singapore-bound flight (No. 6E1025) was delayed as technical issues and regulatory complications mounted, leaving travellers confined to their seats well past the planned takeoff time. Passengers shared videos and messages on social media depicting tension and frustration in the cabin as the wait extended far beyond the aircraft’s estimated flight duration.
According to reports, fluctuations in the cabin’s air-conditioning system, which caused discomfort amid Chennai’s rising morning temperatures, contributed to the initial delay. During subsequent maintenance checks, the original cockpit crew exceeded legally permissible Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), necessitating a replacement crew before the flight could depart. This process — including the need for visa formalities for the new crew on the international sector — added further hours to the already protracted wait, which drew criticism from passengers stuck onboard.
In response, IndiGo stated it provided updates and refreshments where possible, emphasising that safety and regulatory compliance were top priorities. Nevertheless, the extended wait without clear communication intensified dissatisfaction among travellers and highlighted concerns over airline contingency planning during such disruptions.
News as reported
