Pandemonium broke out on an IndiGo aircraft in Mumbai after an unexpected and unwelcome rodent passenger was discovered onboard, forcing a full emergency evacuation and causing major travel chaos.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, 28th May, aboard flight 6E 6059, which was scheduled to depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) for Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore. The flight was fully boarded and preparing for departure when the furry stowaway was sighted.
Emergency Procedures Activated
In accordance with strict safety protocols, the airline had no choice but to immediately disembark all passengers and crew. The presence of a rodent is considered a serious threat to aircraft safety due to the potential for the animal to chew through crucial electrical wiring and systems.
"All passengers were safely offloaded," an IndiGo spokesperson confirmed. "The aircraft was subsequently taken for necessary maintenance checks and fumigation to ensure it was completely rodent-free and safe for its next operation."
Passengers Face Lengthy Delays
The unforeseen event left travellers facing substantial disruptions. The original aircraft was removed from service for inspection, forcing the airline to find an alternative plane for the journey.
This logistical scramble resulted in a delay of several hours for the stranded passengers, a frustrating end to what should have been a routine domestic flight. The airline has stated that the safety of its passengers and crew is its highest priority, a principle that necessitated the drastic action.
An investigation is likely underway to determine how the rat managed to breach security and access the aircraft in the first place, a rare but serious lapse in airport and airline hygiene protocols.
