Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Mosquito Swarm Torments Passengers on India Flight
Passengers on an IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Delhi in India experienced a harrowing ordeal as a swarm of mosquitoes infested the cabin. The incident, captured in a video that quickly circulated online, showed travelers swatting at the insects and visibly struggling with itchy skin. The mosquito nightmare has left some passengers questioning airline pest control standards during flights.
Disturbing footage from the Monday flight showed numerous pests buzzing around the aircraft and landing on overhead compartments. Passengers voiced concerns that the flight attendants were ill-prepared to handle the situation, with some alleging they were only given lemongrass solutions as a remedy.
Passengers’ Frustration with Airline Response
According to passenger accounts, when the issue was brought to the attention of the cabin crew, they were informed that the mosquitoes had entered through an open entryway and that there was little they could do. This explanation did little to quell the discomfort and annoyance of those on board.
One passenger, Manisha Pande, expressed her dismay: “The whole flight was spent scratching, hitting, and just hoping for the journey to conclude.
“The resolution they provided was a ridiculous lemongrass application that proved ineffective.
“We paid over [£35] per ticket for this.
“Not inexpensive. Not affordable. Simply lacking in effort.”
She further stated, “Airlines are indifferent, airports are unable to manage essential pest control, and passengers are simply expected to endure it in silence.
“It’s not only poor assistance, it’s a systematic breakdown.
“Shame on IndiGo, Lucknow Airport, and everyone accountable for airport hygiene,” she added.
Airline Responds to Mosquito Infestation Complaints
An IndiGo representative commented: “We regard your onboard experience with importance and endeavor to make every journey pleasurable and agreeable.
“To deter mosquitoes from entering, our aircraft undergo routine fumigation, and patches are applied to seating.
“We’re furthermore coordinating with the airport to tackle this effectively.
“While we take every precaution, we hope you recognize that mosquitoes can still enter through open entries.”
Locals have suggested alternative solutions, such as providing electric rackets alongside life jackets. Another person added, “Strange. Just four days ago, I flew from Lucknow to Mumbai with IndiGo, but it was mosquito-free. Lucknow itself, though, was infested.”
Another person humorously remarked: “Those mosquitoes will now need to start a fresh family and life at the new location following the flight. Sad.”
Prior Incidents of Insect Infestations on Flights
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event. Other flights have also been disrupted by insect problems. One notable incident involved cockroaches on a flight:
Cockroach Scare on Air Transat Flight
- In June 2019, passengers on an Air Transat flight from London Gatwick to Vancouver were alarmed when cockroach-like insects began falling on them just before takeoff.
- The insects emerged from overhead luggage compartments, causing panic among passengers.
- Pest control specialists boarded the aircraft, and the flight was eventually canceled after a seven-hour delay.
These incidents underscore the importance of thorough pest control measures in the aviation industry to ensure passenger comfort and safety.