In December 2024, IndiGo Airlines found itself at the centre of a growing controversy when allegations of in-flight theft and questionable conduct by its cabin crew surfaced. Trisha Shetty, a social activist and founder of the NGO SheSays, accused IndiGo staff of mishandling a serious situation in which her mother was allegedly robbed mid-flight. According to
https://digitalinternational.in/
Shetty, while her mother was sleeping on an IndiGo flight, another passenger noticed the luggage on her and attempted to return it only after she woke up – raising immediate
suspicion of theft. According to Shetty, what followed was even more disturbing: she claims the crew downplayed the incident, refused to take action and prevented her mother from filing an official complaint.
IndiGo Airlines has issued a statement refuting the allegations, saying that the crew acted appropriately and the passenger has confirmed that no luggage was missing. Shetty, however, has disputed this and announced his intention to escalate the matter to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, citing the airline’s apathy and lack of proper protocol as a cause for concern
This incident has reignited debate around airline safety, passenger rights, and the responsibilities of flight attendants when criminal activity is suspected mid-flight. As public scrutiny mounts and calls for accountability grow louder, the case has become a flashpoint in discussions around in-flight security procedures in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.
DIGI MARCH STORE PRINT ON DEMAND
1: The Incident at 35,000 Feet
- An overview of the alleged theft incident on board an IndiGo flight, as described by Trisha Shetty. Details about what happened, how her mother discovered the possible theft, and the initial interaction with the flight crew.
2: Allegations Against IndiGo Crew
- A deeper dive into Shetty’s claims, focusing on her accusation that the crew refused to help, discouraged her mother from filing a complaint, and appeared to side with the accused passenger
3: IndiGo’s Official Response
- A summary of IndiGo’s official statement. The airline claims the crew followed proper protocol, the passenger confirmed no belongings were missing, and that legal procedures were explained to Shetty’s mother.
4: Disputed Accounts and Public Reaction
- This chapter compares the conflicting narratives—Shetty’s vs. IndiGo’s—and includes public responses on social media, statements from aviation experts, and initial media reactions.
5: Legal, Ethical, and Security Implications
- A broader look at what this incident reveals about in-flight security, crew training, and the legal grey areas that passengers face when crimes happen in the air.
6: What Comes Next?
- Coverage of Shetty’s stated intention to escalate the matter to the Civil Aviation Ministry. Includes speculation or expert insight on what reforms, investigations, or consequences might follow.
7: Can Passenger Trust Be Restored?
- A reflective wrap-up. What does this controversy mean for IndiGo’s reputation? What do frequent flyers want in terms of safety and accountability? And can airlines do more to protect passenger rights?
