A disturbing video from an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Kolkata has gone viral, sparking widespread anger and demands for action after a passenger experiencing a panic attack was slapped by a fellow traveler.
According to Indian media, the incident occurred on Friday as the aircraft was preparing for takeoff. A young man, identified as a Muslim, began showing signs of severe distress, reportedly sobbing and begging to be let off the plane. Rather than offering help, another passenger walked past him and slapped him across the face. The act was captured on video and quickly circulated online, drawing immediate condemnation.
Many social media users have called the incident a blatant act of Islamophobia, demanding that the attacker be permanently banned from flying and placed on India’s no-fly list for unruly passengers.
In response, IndiGo released a statement condemning the assault as “completely unacceptable” and reaffirming its commitment to the safety and dignity of all passengers. The airline confirmed that the assailant was handed over to security authorities upon arrival and that the incident was reported to relevant regulatory agencies. IndiGo is now considering placing the individual on the no-fly list for a period of time under its unruly flyer rules.
“Our crew acted in accordance with established standard operating procedures,” the airline stated, adding that the situation was de-escalated and the distressed passenger was comforted by staff and other passengers, with the remainder of the flight proceeding without incident.
Medical experts have weighed in, stating that individuals experiencing panic attacks must be treated with empathy and compassion, not hostility. Meanwhile, social media users continue to call for justice, urging IndiGo and aviation regulators to take strong disciplinary measures against the attacker to set a clear precedent for zero tolerance against discriminatory and violent behavior in air travel.
