A shocking incident aboard an IndiGo flight has ignited online criticism after a passenger was reportedly caught trying to steal a life jacket mid-flight. The act was caught on camera by a fellow traveller, whose quick thinking and confrontation helped retrieve the safety item before any harm was done.

The video, which has now gone viral on Instagram through the account travel.instaagram, captures a moment of unexpected drama on board. In the clip, a vigilant passenger can be seen confronting the accused and instructing him to open his bag. As the confrontation unfolds, the bystander pulls out a yellow life jacket, clearly taken from the aircraft.

“Bag open kijiye (Open your bag),” the man says, as he rummages through the luggage.

“Aapko main kaafi time se notice kar raha hoon. Yeh kya kar rahe ho aap? Life jacket chura rahe hain yeh (I have been noticing you since a long time. What are you doing? Look at him. He is stealing a life jacket),” he continues, visibly alarmed.

“Yeh sahi nahi hai. Passengers ke safety ke liye hai (This is not right. This is for passengers’ safety),” he adds.

Tampering with Life Jackets a Serious Offense, Warn Aviation Experts

Life jackets are classified as critical safety equipment on all commercial flights and are typically stored under passenger seats for emergency use. Tampering with or removing such gear is a serious offense under aviation safety laws and could result in legal action.

The identity of the passenger involved remains unknown. His face has been deliberately blurred in the viral footage, and no personal details have been released. So far, IndiGo has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The airline’s silence has drawn further concern from the public.

Social media erupted with condemnation following the video’s circulation. Users demanded accountability and action.

“Ban him from flying any airlines for life,” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “Civic sense seems paralysed in India. Most people on flights are educated, yet incidents like this show that even educated individuals need practical lessons in basic behaviour.”

Flight Details Not Disclosed

While the exact flight number and date are still unclear, aviation experts are stressing the gravity of the incident. Removing safety gear not only puts future passengers at risk but also undermines established security protocols that airlines strictly follow.

The video has ignited a broader conversation around passenger conduct, civic awareness, and the need for stricter enforcement of in-flight rules.

Until now, there has been no confirmation about whether the passenger faced any penalties, nor is it clear if authorities have taken the matter forward. However, the public response indicates strong support for firm action to prevent similar incidents in the future.