An IndiGo flight from Prayagraj to Bengaluru was cancelled before takeoff due to a fuel-like smell in the cabin. Passengers were offered rerouting and refund options.
IndiGo: IndiGo flight 6E-6036, scheduled to depart from Prayagraj Airport, was cancelled on Monday just before takeoff. Passengers on board complained of a smell similar to petrol, after which the flight was cancelled keeping safety in mind.
Petrol-like smell felt in the cabin
This IndiGo flight was to depart from Prayagraj to Bengaluru. According to passengers on the flight, the takeoff was significantly delayed and no clear information was being provided. Meanwhile, some passengers noticed a smell similar to petrol or fuel inside the aircraft. This information was conveyed to the crew by the passengers. After a while, the pilot announced that all passengers should deplane with their belongings.
Students from prestigious institutions were on the flight
Several students were on this flight, including students from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. One student said that the aircraft remained on the runway for a considerable time before takeoff. After this, there was some discussion between the flight staff and the pilot, and then it was decided that all passengers should be disembarked. Immediately after, the flight was officially cancelled.
Passengers were offered rerouting and refund options
After the flight was cancelled, IndiGo informed the passengers that the flight was being cancelled due to technical reasons and that the safety of the passengers was being given top priority. The airline offered passengers the option of alternative flights or a full refund. Arrangements for alternative flights were made from nearby cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Varanasi.
Cab service also available from Prayagraj to Lucknow
For passengers who got flights from Lucknow, IndiGo also provided cab service to reach Lucknow Airport from Prayagraj. Passengers were informed that adjustments to other flights were being made on a 'first come, first served' basis. In this entire process, the airline staff took care of the convenience of the passengers.
Relatives also reached the airport
After receiving information about the flight cancellation, many relatives of the passengers also reached the airport. Some passengers shared information about the flight cancellation on social media and demanded transparency from IndiGo.
Airport administration's clarification
Mukesh Chandra Upadhyay, the director of Prayagraj Airport, issued a statement on the matter, saying that the safety of passengers is the top priority. Recently, some incidents of technical faults have come to light in other parts of the country, and in view of this, extra vigilance is being exercised at Prayagraj Airport. As soon as any kind of smell was noticed in the aircraft cabin, the decision was immediately taken to cancel the flight.
