Indian pilot refuses to fly airplane after his duty hours end

A bizarre incident occurred on a local Indian airline flight from Pune to Bengaluru when the pilot refused to take off after his duty hours had ended.

The pilot's decision was in line with strict safety regulations governing pilots' working hours, as per experts.

According to Indian media, the incident took place on September 24 and recently went viral on social media.

In the video, the passengers could be seen in panic while the pilot was not in a mood to extend his duty hours.

The pilot's decision led to a 5-hour delay, leaving passengers frustrated and furious.

Indigo flight was delayed for 5 hrs after Pilot refuses to take off due to work hrs ending.

Frustration pf Passengers can clearly be seen. But Why blame only the Pilot ??

Blame the company not the crew. Indigo has become a joke😤 pic.twitter.com/0ohOOTi3RG

— Avishek Goyal (@AG_knocks) October 2, 2024

However, Aviation veteran Sanjay Lazar came to the pilot's defense, highlighting the importance of regulated working hours for pilots and crew to ensure passenger safety. 

"It’s not like a factory where workers can clock in and out when needed. The pilots can't exceed their duty limits as it invites penalty from the DGCA including implications for their license," he wrote in reply to the post containing the video.

Do understand that Pilot & Crew duty time limits are set by regulators Worldwide - for the safety of the passengers.
It’s not like a factory where workers can clock in & out when needed.
The pilots CANT exceed their Duty limits as it invites penalty from the DGCA including…

— Sanjay Lazar (@sjlazars) October 3, 2024

"Incidentally unauthorised extensions of FDTL will also invalidate your flight insurance as an airline or as a flying passenger. So in the interests of flight safety, the pilot knows what he is doing, please let him be. He didn’t cause the delay!!"

Meanwhile, the airline administration apologised to the affected passengers for the delay.

“Flight 6E 361 scheduled to operate from Pune to Bengaluru on September 24, 2024, was delayed due to operational reasons related to flight duty time limitations. Customers were kept informed about the delay and our team was available throughout the duration to assist customers. We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” Indigo stated.

The incident sparked a mix of reactions on social media, with some praising the pilot's commitment to safety and others criticising the airline's scheduling.