An IndiGo flight has sparked a fresh controversy after a passenger claimed his three year old child was seated away from both parents. The incident reportedly took place during a domestic journey despite all tickets being booked under one reservation.
The complaint was raised by Nagpur based lawyer Gaurav Mishra, who shared the experience on LinkedIn. According to him, the issue occurred on an IndiGo flight between Bagdogra and Kolkata, where the family was given separate seats.
Gaurav stated that the family paid nearly Rs. 44,000 for the tickets. However, they were assigned what he described as random and disconnected seating. This reportedly resulted in their toddler being seated away from both parents during the journey.
The allegation quickly gained attention online due to safety concerns. Gaurav pointed to DGCA guidelines, which state that children up to 12 years must be seated with at least one parent if booked under the same PNR.
He referred to Rule 3.15 of the DGCA Air Transport Circular 01 of 2024. According to this rule, airlines are required to ensure proper seating arrangements for minors travelling with guardians on the same booking.
The situation raised further concern as the Bagdogra to Kolkata route is known for turbulence. Gaurav claimed that the child felt distressed and unattended, which added to the seriousness of the complaint.
IndiGo responded to the issue on social media. The airline said it tried to contact the passenger but could not reach him. It requested alternate contact details to discuss the matter further.
While no detailed clarification has been issued on the seating allocation, the incident has reignited the debate around paid seat selection policies. It also raises questions about passenger safety and airline accountability in India.
