Passengers stranded at Kempegowda International Airport amid flight cancellations, in Bengaluru, on Friday.
Credit: DH PHOTO/PUSHKAR V
With IndiGo flight cancellations continuing for a fourth day, the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) remained in turmoil as stranded passengers searched for alternatives.
By Friday afternoon, this DH reporter found passengers affected by IndiGo’s disruptions crowding every area near Terminal 1’s departure gates.
Three friends returning from Tirupati were stranded for more than 24 hours without their luggage. “We are visiting from Bhopal. After Tirupati, we reached Bengaluru at 2 am on Thursday for a 12.30 pm connecting flight. IndiGo staff said we could leave and return by 10 am, but at 9.30 am, we were told our flight was cancelled. After 24 hours, we have no update about our luggage, which is still inside,” said Abhishek Khatti.
Passengers said IndiGo staff presence was minimal throughout Friday.
“Occasionally, one or two officials stop by, take our PNR numbers, ask us to remain patient and leave. Not one official has given us any update,” another passenger said.
Passengers recounted being forced to sleep at the airport as delays turned into cancellations, with little clarity from staff about hotel accommodation. Affected travellers included children and senior citizens.
A mother-of-two said she planned to sue IndiGo for emotional and physical distress.
“With IndiGo’s website down and slow network here, we have to queue at the counter for refunds. We have been stuck for over five hours. I have two toddlers and nearly had a panic attack seeing the chaos at the counters. No IndiGo employee has helped,” said an Ahmedabad-bound passenger.
With flight prices soaring, many opted for overnight buses. Some said one-way tickets to Delhi, Kolkata or Mumbai cost Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000.
Some passengers marked birthdays and anniversaries at the airport, while others missed funerals of loved ones.
Two travellers from Mangaluru, heading for a funeral in Kolkata, took an overnight bus to the airport, only to find their flight cancelled on arrival.
Lack of information about cancellations and delays was the main complaint.
“They did not inform us our flight was cancelled. Now, they say there is no refund for our upcoming flights. How can we trust this airline? It is appalling they still sell tickets given the situation,” said Ruchita, a Whitefield resident.
Throughout the day, angry passengers argued with IndiGo staff and airport security. Some staged small protests inside the terminal.