Updated: October 25, 2020 11:36:45 am
Kangna Ranaut in Chandigarh amid high security on September 9, 2020 (Express photo: Jasbir Malhi)
India’s largest airline IndiGo banned nine journalists from flying between October 15 and 30 following the recommendations of an internal committee that was formed to investigate the alleged rebellious behavior of the media aboard a flight operated by the airline on September 9.
On September 9, IndiGo’s Chandigarh-Mumbai flight with the film actress Kangana Ranaut as a passenger witnessed the violation of social distancing and security protocols for television journalists, according to a report submitted by the airline to the aviation security regulator, the DGCA.
Following the emergence of a video showing the media creating an uproar on the IndiGo flight, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued punitive measures for airlines to ensure that the rules of “ no take photographs in flight. ” The DGCA noted in an order that in the event of any violation on a scheduled flight, said flight will be suspended for two weeks and will be reinstated only once the airline has taken all necessary punitive actions against those responsible for the violation.
The airline then submitted a report to the DGCA saying its crew followed all necessary protocols, including announcements to restrict photography, follow social distancing, and maintain general safety. In accordance with the rules prescribed to prevent disruptive behavior on board the aircraft, IndiGo formed an internal committee to investigate the incident.
The rules define three categories of unruly behavior: Level 1 refers to behavior that is verbally unruly and requires disqualification for up to three months; Level 2 indicates physical disorders and can lead to the passenger being unable to fly for up to six months; Level 3 indicates life-threatening behavior for which the debarment would be for a minimum of two years. According to an IndiGo source, the nine journalists, who were banned from flying for 15 days until October 30, have already been notified of the decision.
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