IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has been facing a string of controversies lately, with a new incident adding to its growing list of passenger complaints. A recent viral post has sparked outrage among travelers, bringing to light yet another service lapse from the airline.
IndiGo’s Reputation Hits Turbulence
Once known for its efficiency and affordability, IndiGo has been struggling to maintain its reputation amid mounting customer dissatisfaction. In the 2024 rankings released by AirHelp, a European air passenger claims processing agency, IndiGo was ranked 103rd out of 109 airlines globally, marking a significant fall in service quality. The airline has faced heavy criticism for its customer service, hidden charges, and passenger mistreatment, further amplifying its troubles.
Dei @IndiGo6E I paid for a window seat da.. where is the window 😁 #TravelParithabangal pic.twitter.com/Uk4qKXpQRk
— Pradeep Muthu (@muthupradeep) February 6, 2025
Adding fuel to the fire, IndiGo recently came under scrutiny for its alleged mistreatment of an elderly couple, drawing widespread condemnation from the public. Just as the airline was attempting to manage the backlash, another incident surfaced—one that perfectly encapsulates passenger frustration.
Passenger Pays for Window Seat, Gets a Wall Instead
The latest controversy began when Pradeep Muthu, a well-known cricket commentator for Star Sports Tamil, took to social media to express his frustration with IndiGo. Having paid extra for a window seat, Muthu expected to enjoy the view during his journey. Instead, he was shocked to find himself seated next to a blank wall panel instead of a window.
Muthu shared a photo of his so-called window seat on X (formerly Twitter) and humorously called out the airline, writing:
“Dei @IndiGo6E I paid for a window seat.. where is the window?”
His post quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of likes, shares, and comments from frustrated travelers. Many users chimed in with similar experiences, accusing IndiGo of misleading passengers by failing to disclose that certain window seats lack actual windows.
Social Media Erupts with Passenger Complaints
As the tweet went viral, passengers flooded social media with screenshots, complaints, and memes, calling out IndiGo for poor transparency. Many travelers admitted they had fallen into the same trap, unknowingly booking so-called window seats only to find themselves staring at a blank wall.
One user sarcastically wrote:
“IndiGo’s version of a window seat: ‘Pay extra to imagine a scenic view outside!’”
Another traveler shared a similar experience:
“Happened to me last year! I was so excited about my window seat, and all I got was disappointment. Thanks, IndiGo.”
IndiGo Responds, But Is It Enough?
In response to the outrage, IndiGo issued a standard reply to Muthu’s post, stating that some aircraft configurations include window seats without windows due to structural design requirements. While this may be technically valid, customers were not satisfied with the response, arguing that the airline should have been more transparent at the time of booking.
IndiGo further requested that Muthu share his flight details via direct message so they could investigate the matter and provide assistance. However, the airline has yet to publicly address the broader issue of misleading seat selection, leaving many customers wondering whether any real changes will be made.
Lack of Transparency and Customer Trust
Passengers expect airlines to clearly indicate seating conditions, especially when extra charges are involved. In many cases, IndiGo passengers pay a premium for seat selection, believing they are securing a better experience. However, with hidden inconveniences such as non-existent windows, restricted legroom, and non-reclining seats, many travelers feel cheated.
This issue has raised serious concerns over transparency in airline booking systems. Customers are demanding that airlines, including IndiGo, clearly highlight any potential seat restrictions during the booking process instead of leaving travelers with unpleasant surprises.
IndiGo’s Growing List of Controversies
This isn’t the first time IndiGo has found itself in hot water over passenger dissatisfaction. Some of the recent controversies include:
- Ranking among the world’s worst airlines according to AirHelp’s 2024 report.
- Alleged mistreatment of an elderly couple, sparking outrage over poor customer service.
- Charging exorbitant fees for minor changes, such as seat selection and baggage allowance.
- Frequent flight delays and cancellations, leaving passengers stranded without proper assistance.
With every new controversy, IndiGo’s reputation takes another hit, raising questions about its long-term credibility in the aviation industry.
What’s Next for IndiGo?
As IndiGo faces growing scrutiny, industry experts believe the airline needs to urgently address customer concerns before losing its competitive edge. Transparency in seating options, better communication regarding extra charges, and improved customer service could go a long way in rebuilding passenger trust.
For now, travelers remain skeptical. The viral incident serves as yet another reminder for passengers to double-check airline policies before making seat selections—and for airlines to ensure their booking process is fair, transparent, and customer-friendly.
Final Thoughts
IndiGo may be India’s biggest airline, but size alone won’t protect it from customer dissatisfaction. Incidents like these prove that travelers are becoming increasingly vocal about their experiences, and in today’s digital age, one viral post can severely damage an airline’s reputation.
As for Pradeep Muthu and countless other passengers who have found themselves stuck with a wall instead of a window, the message is clear: IndiGo needs to do better.
What do you think about this incident? Have you ever faced a similar situation while booking an airline seat? Let us know in the comments!