“Unacceptable Treatment,” Says Ex-Infosys CFO on Lack of AC in IndiGo Flight; Airline Responds
Padma Shri awardee and former Infosys CFO, Mohandas Pai, has expressed dissatisfaction with IndiGo Airlines, citing improper passenger treatment during a recent flight. Pai took to social media platform X to highlight his experience, criticizing the airline for failing to provide air conditioning while the aircraft was grounded.
Padma Shri awardee and former Infosys CFO, Mohandas Pai, has expressed dissatisfaction with IndiGo Airlines, citing improper passenger treatment during a recent flight. Pai took to social media platform X to highlight his experience, criticizing the airline for failing to provide air conditioning while the aircraft was grounded.
Recounting the incident, Pai wrote, “IndiGo treats its passengers badly. Sitting in 6E 7407 without AC on hot tarmac in Bengaluru. No way to treat passengers. Only after a protest, the staff started using a tarmac generator for AC. Pl change your protocol.”
The flight in question, bound for Coimbatore from Bengaluru, reportedly left passengers uncomfortable due to the absence of air conditioning while the aircraft was parked. Pai urged IndiGo to review its operational protocols to prevent such issues in the future.
IndiGo’s Explanation
In response, IndiGo clarified that the airline was adhering to its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). ATR aircraft, like the one involved, typically do not run air conditioning on the ground because the system is powered by the aircraft’s engines, which are not fully operational when parked. ATRs also lack a dedicated Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to provide air conditioning independently.
Mixed Reactions from Passengers
Pai’s post ignited a wave of reactions on X, with users sharing similar experiences.
One user commented, “They are very reluctant to switch on APU (auxiliary power unit) because of cost implications without any consideration to inconvenience to passengers. Elderly and babies can be seriously affected.”
Another user sarcastically noted, “I love the airlines. Their erratic AC improves my tolerance to temperature fluctuations. I hope they soon charge a little fee for that.”
Growing Concerns Over Passenger Comfort
The incident has sparked a broader discussion on the balance between operational costs and passenger comfort in the aviation industry. While ATR aircraft are known for efficiency on shorter routes, their lack of certain onboard systems, like APUs, often impacts passenger experience during ground operations.
IndiGo has yet to announce any revisions to its protocols in light of the criticism. Meanwhile, passengers have called for greater sensitivity to comfort, especially in warm climates.
Sources By Agencies
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