Indian airline bans passenger who slapped Muslim traveller during panic attack
Viral video of incident triggers widespread condemnation across social media platforms
DUBAI: A Muslim passenger suffering a panic attack was slapped by an Indian co-passenger aboard an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Kolkata, sparking national outrage after a video of the incident went viral.
The assault occurred on flight 6E138 on Friday and has triggered widespread condemnation online, with many social media users demanding strong disciplinary action.
According to reports in Indian media, the visibly distressed man was crying and pleading to be let off the aircraft during taxiing when he was suddenly slapped by a fellow traveller.
समाज पूरी तरह सड़ चूका है pic.twitter.com/l03axtIqSc
— Adil siddiqui (azmi) (@adilsiddiqui7) August 1, 2025
Voices in the video can be heard protesting the act, with one passenger asking, “Why did you slap him?” and another reminding the aggressor he had no right to do so.
What action did IndiGo take?
The airline issued a statement confirming that the passenger responsible for the slap has been suspended from flying with IndiGo. “Following due diligence, the incident involving an unruly customer has been formally reported to the relevant authorities,” the carrier wrote in a post on X.
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.
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) August 1, 2025
Our crew acted in accordance with…
It added that such behaviour is unacceptable and in violation of regulatory norms.
Who intervened at the airport?
Upon landing at Kolkata airport, the accused was handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), ANI reported. The individual remains under investigation, while IndiGo confirmed that its crew followed Standard Operating Procedures during the incident.
What has been the public response?
The video, widely shared online, has provoked serious concern, particularly as the victim is a Muslim.
Calls for zero tolerance against discriminatory and violent conduct in air travel continue to grow, with users urging authorities to impose a flying ban across all domestic carriers.