Bhubaneswar Airport: Passenger damages property after IndiGo flight cancellation

Chaos erupted at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar after an IndiGo flight to Kolkata was cancelled due to a technical snag. Passengers reported waiting for approximately three hours without receiving timely updates regarding the flight's status.

One passenger, Mamoni Kharat, who was reportedly traveling to Kolkata for her child’s medical treatment, became highly distressed by the lack of communication. Viral footage shows Kharat shouting at ground staff, climbing onto a luggage conveyor belt, and throwing documents. The outburst resulted in the damage of airport equipment, including a computer monitor, a keyboard, and a passport-swiping machine, with total damages estimated at ₹49,000.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel intervened to restrain the passenger and prevent further damage to airport property. Authorities subsequently imposed a fine of ₹65,000 on the passengers involved in the vandalism. Police officers visited the terminal to provide counseling following the incident.