A recent incident on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Lucknow left passengers in shock when an entire row of seats started swinging back and forth shortly after takeoff. A passenger named Sethi shared a video of the experience on Instagram, calling it a terrifying moment and questioning the airline’s maintenance standards. IndiGo has since apologised and assured that the issue is being investigated.
The Incident: A ‘Mini Heart Attack’ Mid-Flight
Sethi described the moment as frightening, saying he had never experienced anything like it before. In his Instagram post, he mentioned, “The first time it happened, it was a terrifying feeling, to be honest. The seats could literally swing back and forth.”
The video shows Sethi and two other passengers sitting in a row of seats that suddenly starts moving back and forth. Shortly after noticing the issue, the cabin crew promptly relocated the affected passengers to vacant seats and called maintenance staff to inspect the problem upon landing.
While some social media users dismissed the issue as minor, Sethi pointed out that such an incident could be dangerous for elderly passengers or those with medical conditions, making it a serious safety concern.
IndiGo’s Response: ‘Anomaly’ and Apology
In response to Sethi’s viral video, IndiGo left a comment acknowledging the issue and apologising for the incident. The airline referred to it as an “anomaly”, stating that such occurrences are highly unusual because the seats have a locking mechanism that should prevent movement.
The airline’s official statement read:
“Mr. Sethi, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We sincerely apologise for your onboard experience. Apparently, this was an anomaly, a very unusual occurrence as these seats have a locking mechanism. Please be assured that your feedback is being taken extremely seriously, and this will be investigated thoroughly. The safety and comfort of our customers remain our topmost priority.”
Social Media Reactions: Jokes, Criticism, and Support
Sethi’s post quickly gained traction, with social media users reacting in a mix of humor, concern, and criticism. Some joked about IndiGo’s declining standards, while others praised Sethi for sharing his experience without unnecessarily blaming the airline.
- One user joked: “BYOS – bring your own seat!”
- Another questioned IndiGo’s maintenance, saying: “Is this a plane or a bus!?”
- A concerned traveler commented: “IndiGo has been in its worst condition in the last 7-8 months. I’ve flown twice recently, and both times, I encountered damaged seats.”
Interestingly, this is not Sethi’s first complaint against IndiGo. Last month, he pointed out weight discrepancies between two airport weighing belts, raising concerns about system integrity. The airline responded by assuring that their weighing machines are regularly calibrated.
A Growing Concern for IndiGo?
The swinging seat incident is just one of several complaints IndiGo has faced recently. The airline, which has long been known for its budget-friendly and efficient service, has seen an increase in passenger grievances, particularly regarding seat conditions, maintenance issues, and overall service quality.
As the aviation industry faces growing competition and increasing passenger expectations, IndiGo will need to address these concerns seriously to maintain its reputation as India’s leading budget airline.
