In response to a viral video depicting passengers sitting and eating on the tarmac at Mumbai Airport during flight delays, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued show-cause notices to IndiGo airline and Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) on Tuesday.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia convened a meeting with ministry officials following the incident, expressing concern over the lack of proactive measures by both the airline and the airport in anticipating and addressing the situation.

The notices highlight that IndiGo and MIAL failed to make appropriate facilitation arrangements for passengers, leading to an unfavorable experience for those aboard a diverted Goa-Delhi flight that landed on January 14 after a significant delay.

The ministry noted that the aircraft was assigned a remote bay (C-33) instead of a Contact Stand, depriving passengers of basic facilities such as restrooms and refreshments at the terminal. The operation was criticized for neglecting passenger convenience, security norms, and operational considerations.

Both IndiGo and airport authorities are required to respond to the notices by January 16, with the ministry warning of potential enforcement actions, including financial penalties, if timely responses are not received.

IndiGo faces allegations of violating Rule 51 of the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023, Aviation Security Order 02/2019, and an order dated September 21, 2021. The airline allowed the disembarkation of passengers onto the apron without following security screening procedures during a diversion case on Flight no. 6E 2195.

Mumbai Airport received a notice for violating Rule 51 of the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023, related to the failure to report an incident involving Flight no. 6E 2195. The Ministry also criticized the lack of forewarning to the Assistant Security General of Mumbai. In response, IndiGo initiated an internal inquiry and assured that it would respond to the notice following the protocol.