IndiGo draws flak after 'extremely heavy’ label with elephant sticker on human remains cargo goes viral

While the photograph has continued to circulate, IndiGo Airlines has yet to issue a public response.

A photograph shared on social media showing a human remains shipment at an Indian airport has triggered debate over how airlines communicate sensitivity in their cargo labelling.

The picture, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by a user named Hirav, depicted a sealed package tagged for air delivery. Visible stickers on the box read “Human Remains” and “Extreme Heavy”, the latter accompanied by a cartoon elephant.

According to a label shown in the image, the consignment was booked on a Delhi–Patna route, with travel documents and the deceased person’s passport secured to the top. The user that shared the photo also tagged IndiGo Airlines, urging the carrier to reconsider its labelling practices for such shipments.

The note attached to the post said: “Might sound silly but IndiGo, for Human Remain cargo shipment, you might want to change the ‘Extreme Heavy’ sticker with an elephant on it. Just for the respect of the one who has departed.”

The tweet soon gained traction, dividing users online. Some argued that the image had been misinterpreted and that the airline likely meant no offence. Others felt the visual combination of the stickers was inappropriate.

Might sound silly but @IndiGo6E, for Human Remain cargo shipment. You might want to change the “Extreme Heavy” sticker with an elephant on it.

Just for the respect of the one who has departed This video has surfaced over Instagram by an agency involved in transporting human… pic.twitter.com/ekgYA1TMPh — Hirav (@hiravaero) October 5, 2025

One person wrote, “I don’t think a cadaver is a regular shipment on flights. Secondly, the elephant sticker is meant to indicate to the staff to lift with care without blowing their backs out. Not for public consumption anyway.”

Another said, “The sticker is for the staff handling the cargo.”

A third user remarked simply, “I see no issues at all.”

However, several commenters expressed unease that identifiable details, including shipment numbers, were visible in the photograph.

“What a blatant breach of privacy for the departed and their family with AWB visible and searchable, Neetan Chopra, your handlers and ground agents need to know Data Protection rules and be taken to task,” one post read.

Hirav responded: “Privacy in India is a joke. All these pictures and videos are up on Instagram.”

While the photograph has continued to circulate, IndiGo Airlines has yet to issue a public response.