Mumbai, August 19, 2025

A disturbing incident on an IndiGo flight has sparked outrage after a Mumbai-based entrepreneur, Rhea Chatterji, alleged that a co-pilot barged into the forward lavatory while she was inside. Chatterji, co-founder of gold merchandise platform Safegold, shared her experience on LinkedIn, describing the moment as “shocking and utterly violated.” She boarded a late-night flight on August 8 and used the forward lavatory, which was unlocked. After locking the door, she reportedly heard knocking and responded, only for the door to be forcefully opened before she could fully react. A male crew member, allegedly the co-pilot, allegedly looked at her and said “oh” before leaving.

Chatterji recounted that female flight attendants attempted to downplay the incident, apologising for the “inconvenience” and assuring her that “he hadn’t seen anything.” She described feeling vulnerable and alone, spending the remainder of the 1.5-hour flight in anxiety and distress. Further, she claimed that the Captain and First Officer were absent, and she was instructed to meet them in the cockpit—a request that heightened her discomfort given her vulnerable state.

Upon landing, Chatterji emailed IndiGo’s leadership team, including the CEO, seeking acknowledgement and resolution. She criticised the airline’s response, stating that she received only calls and an email filled with corporate jargon that offered “lip service” apologies and claimed “profound remorse” from the crew member, without any direct expression of regret. Chatterji emphasised that her intention in sharing the incident was not to seek compensation but to raise awareness, particularly among women and parents with young children, about the airline’s handling of privacy and safety concerns.

IndiGo issued an official apology, describing the incident as an inadvertent mistake and confirming that the crew had been counselled. “Ms Chatterji, we profoundly apologise once again for the experience you went through due to an inadvertent mistake by one of our crew. Please be assured that your feedback has been taken with utmost seriousness. At IndiGo, the safety, dignity, and comfort of our customers remain our highest priority. We assure you that the crew has been counselled and sensitised, and in cognisance of this matter, we are reinforcing training to ensure such incidents are never repeated. We remain available should you wish for any further redressal and are fully committed to restoring your trust in us,” the airline stated.

Despite the apology, Chatterji’s post sparked widespread criticism on LinkedIn. Users expressed disappointment with IndiGo’s handling of the incident, noting that privacy and dignity should not be treated as mere “inconvenience.” Many shared similar experiences and pointed out that lavatories on commercial aircraft have occupancy indicators, suggesting that the co-pilot’s actions may not have been accidental.

The incident has reignited discussions on passenger safety and privacy, particularly for women and minors, during air travel. Experts argue that airlines must ensure rigorous protocols, clear communication, and robust training to prevent such breaches and maintain trust among passengers. Chatterji’s post underscores the importance of raising awareness and advocating for stronger safeguards in aviation.