Actor Richa Chadha recently shared her harrowing experiences during a three-day stint of frequent flying, highlighting the challenges faced by air travellers in India. The actor, known for her outspoken nature, didn't hold back as she recounted delays, a surprising assault incident, and raised concerns about the impact of airline monopolies on passenger experiences.
Chadha's tweet detailed her consecutive days of flight delays with IndiGo, one of the prominent budget carriers in India. On the first two days, her flights were reportedly delayed by over four hours each, attributing her choice to the limited availability of direct flights on specific routes. However, her international flight on the third day went off without a hitch.
The ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ then pointed out external factors contributing to the chaos in the skies. She mentioned the air show in Mumbai on January 14, leading to the closure of runways in the morning. Additionally, the fog and smog in North India, specifically in Delhi, resulted in further closures, creating a ripple effect of delays across the country.
“On the 14th of Jan, there was an air show in Mumbai, because of which the runway was closed in the morning. And then fog/smog in North India - Delhi runway closed. Ripple effect? Flights delayed all over the country, staff overextended,” she wrote on X.
She was also surprised at the relatively low number of incidents of violence considering the high tension among frustrated passengers.
She added: “I am surprised only one person got physically assaulted because tempers were running very high (I don’t condone violence).”
Chadha also spoke of the adverse effects of monopolies in the aviation sector. She argued that monopolies in airlines, airport ownership, or leadership contribute to a lack of accountability, leaving common citizens with no recourse for the challenges they face.
“Lesson: Monopoly - whether airlines, airport ownership or leadership - creates lack of accountability. Common citizens suffer, with no recourse,” she wrote.
The 37-year-old actor urged the public to recognize the issue, asserting that until they do, they will continue to bear the brunt of such situations and endure the financial burden associated with them.
“Till we don’t recognise it, we will be at a disadvantage while paying through our noses. And if we don’t wake up, we deserve it,” she said.
Many resonated with her amid frequent mass delays and cancellations across the country due to severe smog and low visibility in Delhi-NCR, the base of several airlines.
“Yes. Exactly. Which is why when people say they are apolitical - they are really shrugging off their responsibility as citizens and asking to be cheated. Speaking up is the only way,” one user wrote agreeing with Chadha.
“Airlines run on razor thin margins and frequently go bust. We should be glad that atleast Indigo is flying, even if it is massively delayed. I am saying this with full experience of frequent traveller,” another wrote supporting airlines.
Several incidents, including passengers eating on the tarmac to a man assaulting an IndiGo pilot, made the news in the last couple days after prolonged delay or diversion of their flights.
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