A Mumbai man, Turab Chimthanawala, has accused IndiGo staff at Mumbai airport of humiliating his blind mother during a recent journey to Guwahati. The incident, which occurred on June 14, 2025, has sparked outrage online, raising concerns about the treatment of differently-abled passengers in India.

Chimthanawala shared his frustrating experience in a detailed LinkedIn post that has since gone viral. In his post, he explained that he had informed IndiGo in advance about his mother's condition and requested assistance. However, upon arriving at the airport, the promised assistance was not provided adequately. According to Chimthanawala, instead of a trained staff member, an "untrained one showed up - unsure of how to even navigate entry gates," which resulted in his mother having to guide the staff member to the boarding area.

The problems didn't stop there. Chimthanawala stated that the staff continued to smirk and treat him like an inconvenience, leading him and his mother to manage on their own. He recounted an instance where he struggled with luggage, and even when someone stepped in to help, the staffer walked ahead without offering real support. He also mentioned that at security, they declined assistance, and later, a gate staffer walked away upon seeing his mother. Even onboard, the crew reportedly saw his white cane but offered no assistance.

Chimthanawala also claimed that at the boarding gate, staff mocked his request for help, whispering and gesturing in a humiliating manner. One staff member falsely claimed that assistance was only provided up to the security gate and suggested that he follow a wheelchair passenger. He emphasized that this was not only inconsiderate but also illegal under Indian law, which mandates that blind passengers be assisted until they reach the aircraft door. He questioned, "How long must we suffer in silence? Should blind passengers have to ask for basic dignity?"

IndiGo has responded to Chimthanawala's post, expressing sincere regret for the experience. The airline stated that its Director of Customer Experience, Pratik Arjun Sen, is looking into the matter and has taken corrective action, including sensitizing the relevant staff at Mumbai airport.

The LinkedIn post has resonated with many social media users, with many sharing their own stories about traveling with disabilities. This incident highlights the disparity between airline policies and the actual experiences of passengers with disabilities on the ground. Chimthanawala's experience underscores the need for airlines to improve their training and sensitivity towards passengers with disabilities, ensuring they receive the assistance and respect they deserve.