NEW DELHI: An IndiGo aircraft bound for Istanbul from Mumbai, which was scheduled for departure on Saturday morning, was grounded due to technical difficulties, stranding several passengers.
Flight 6E17, initially set to take off at 6:55 am, was cancelled after passengers were reportedly left waiting without updates for approximately 10 hours. Subsequently, IndiGo organised an alternative aircraft, with a revised departure time of 11.00 pm, the same day.
Passengers expressed frustration on social media, reporting long delays and a lack of assistance. One passenger claimed, “Flight 6E-17 Indigo delayed departure to Istanbul from Mumbai sch 6.50 not operated and passengers are being harassed.” Another sought help as he was travelling with kids and said, “Stuck at airport since Morning 4,2 times boarded flight @IndiGo6E; my flight number 6E17 traveling with 2 kids 2 security checks walked airport 2 times now no one is responding.”
Passengers also voiced their frustration for not receiving any prior information about the flight status. “Stuck at Mumbai airport trying to board Indigo flight to Istanbul. Airline refusing to justify delay, making passengers sit for hours in aero-bridge only to turn them back and making them wait again. Zero clarity.,” said an X user.
Addressing the situation, Indigo issued a statement as quoted by news agency PTI saying, “We regret that our flight 6E17, originally scheduled to operate from Mumbai to Istanbul, faced a delay due to technical issues. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to rectify the issue and dispatch it to the destination, we eventually had to cancel the flight.”
The airline said it is providing affected passengers with accommodation, meal vouchers, and full refunds. IndiGo added its teams are “working hard” to support the customers and keep them informed.