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Indigo boarding row: Airline defends decision, offers electric wheelchair as goodwill gesture

Having reviewed all aspects of this incident, we are of the view that we made the best possible decision under difficult circumstances, says CEO Ronojoy Dutta

Our Bureau, PTI Published 09.05.22, 03:05 PM
IndiGo CEO on Monday offered his regrets on the incident that happened at the Ranchi airport on Saturday

IndiGo CEO on Monday offered his regrets on the incident that happened at the Ranchi airport on Saturday File picture

IndiGo CEO on Monday offered his regrets on the incident that happened at the Ranchi airport on Saturday wherein a specially-abled child was barred from boarding his flight to Hyderabad as he was in a state of panic .

"Having reviewed all aspects of this incident, we as an organization are of the view that we made the best possible decision under di9fficult circumstances, IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta said in a statement.

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"Throughout the check-in and boarding process our intent of course was to carry the family, however, at the boarding area the teenager was visibly in panic," he mentioned.

"While providing courteous and compassionate service to our customers is of paramount importance to us, the airport staff, in line with the safety guidelines, were forced to make a difficult decision as to whether this commotion would carry forward aboard the aircraft," he stated.

"We recognize too well that parents who dedicate their lives to the caring of physically challenged persons are the true heroes of our society," he noted.

"We offer our sincere regrets to the affected family for the unfortunate experience and as a small token of our appreciation of their lifelong dedication would like to offer to purchase an electric wheelchair for their son," he added.

As the boy was prohibited from boarding the airline's Ranchi-Hyderabad flight on Saturday, his parents -- who were with him -- also decided to not enter the plane.

Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hasd warned IndiGo airlines after a backlash over not allowing the child with special needs to board its flight.

"There is zero tolerance towards such behaviour. No human being should have to go through this! Investigating the matter by myself, post which appropriate action will be taken," the minister wrote on Twitter on Monday.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) chief Arun Kumar told PTI that the regulator had sought a report from IndiGo on the matter. "The DGCA is probing this incident and it will take appropriate action," he said.

The minister's reaction was based on the harrowing ordeal of the family at Ranchi airport that was widely shared on social media.

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