FIR registered after passenger's protest over cancelled Bhubaneswar–Kolkata flight
Bhubaneswar: An aggrieved passenger created a disturbance at Biju Patnaik International Airport on Thursday after her flight to Kolkata, originally scheduled for 2.35 pm, was delayed and subsequently cancelled on a technical ground, officials said on Friday. The airport police have registered an FIR against the woman for allegedly damaging public property and misbehaving with airline staff.
Video clips that circulated on social media showed the woman shouting at airline personnel and climbing onto a conveyor belt at the departure area. Airport officials said some objects were thrown during the incident. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) intervened to control the situation and airport staff later escorted the passenger away from the operational area.
Police action and compensation for passengers
Rabindranath Meher, IIC of the Airport police station, confirmed that an FIR has been registered and an investigation is underway. He told officials that the complaint cited damage to airport property and abusive behaviour towards staff.
"We have registered an FIR and an investigation is underway," said Rabindranath Meher, IIC, Airport police station.
Airport authorities said the delayed Bhubaneswar–Kolkata flight was cancelled due to a technical reason. The airline arranged refreshments for affected passengers and issued flight coupons of ₹5,000 as compensation, according to a senior officer at Biju Patnaik International Airport. The officer also said that the passenger later travelled to Kolkata via a connecting flight through New Delhi.
Passengers allege late information, airport stresses safety
Several passengers who were present at the counter alleged the cancellation was communicated late; they said the flight scheduled for 2.35 pm was cancelled only at about 5.30 pm. Officials did not provide a timeline beyond confirming the delay and subsequent cancellation for a technical reason.
The airport reiterated that safety remains the priority when technical issues arise. CISF personnel and airport staff follow established protocols to manage unruly behaviour and ensure passenger safety and continuity of operations.
- Incident: Passenger climbed onto a conveyor belt and threw objects after flight cancellation.
- Action: FIR registered by Airport police; CISF intervened.
- Relief offered: Refreshments and ₹5,000 flight coupons for affected passengers; passenger later flown to Kolkata via New Delhi.
Practical advice for Bhubaneswar travellers
Travel disruptions frequently test patience, but airport and airline staff must be allowed to handle operational and safety matters without interference. Passengers are advised to:
- Confirm flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport and re-check on arrival.
- Keep contact numbers and booking references handy for faster rebooking or refunds.
- Remain calm and follow CISF and airport-staff instructions; aggressive actions can lead to legal consequences including FIRs.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheduled departure | 2.35 pm (originally) |
| Cancellation timing (passengers' claim) | Around 5.30 pm |
| Compensation offered | Flight coupons of ₹5,000 and refreshments |
| Police action | FIR registered; investigation ongoing |
The airline concerned had not issued a formal statement to the media at the time officials provided the update. The city’s airport authorities said they will continue to coordinate with airline operators and law-enforcement agencies to ensure passenger safety and to investigate the alleged damage to airport property.
The incident serves as a reminder that while flight cancellations are sometimes unavoidable for technical or safety reasons, travellers should allow airport professionals to manage re-accommodation and should avoid actions that may endanger themselves or others.
