A routine flight from Bangkok to Bengaluru turned into a distressing ordeal for a passenger when a hot curry meal spilled on him shortly after takeoff, leading to a significant consumer dispute and a compensation order against the airline.
The Unfortunate In-Flight Incident
Just fifteen minutes into the journey, a flight attendant opened the overhead compartment above the passenger's seat. A hot meal stored inside fell out, drenching him in curry. The passenger reported immediate skin irritation and a persistent headache that lasted for hours, compounding his discomfort.
As a vegetarian, he found the smell of the non-vegetarian food particularly aggravating. Unable to change his clothes during the flight, he also felt humiliated, noting that some fellow passengers laughed at the situation. The incident, reported by the Times of India on February 2, 2026, left his branded attire—including a T-shirt, jeans, jacket, shoes, and innerwear—as well as his backpack, smartwatch, and mobile phone, all damaged.
Consumer Complaint and Airline's Response
Following the event, IndiGo acknowledged negligence via phone and email, offering a Rs 5,000 travel voucher as compensation. The passenger rejected this, arguing it was insufficient for the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and material losses incurred. He escalated the matter by filing a formal consumer complaint, seeking Rs 5 lakh for mental harassment and other damages.
IndiGo's Defence and Commission Ruling
IndiGo defended its position, stating there was no deficiency in service, as such deficiencies only arise from legal or contractual shortcomings. The airline maintained the incident was unintentional and, as a goodwill gesture, repeatedly offered the Rs 5,000 voucher, which was declined. They also labeled the Rs 5 lakh claim as illegal and exorbitant.
The Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission reviewed the case and held IndiGo responsible. The commission observed that opening an overhead bin after takeoff, resulting in a hot meal falling on a passenger, constituted a clear lapse in service. It emphasized airlines' duty to safely store hot or loose items during flights.
However, the commission noted the passenger failed to provide credible evidence for medical expenses or complete clothing damage. On December 12, 2025, it ordered IndiGo to pay Rs 20,000 as compensation and Rs 5,000 for litigation costs. The bench, comprising President Shivarama K and members Chandrashekar S Noola and Rekha Sayannavar, delivered this ruling, highlighting the importance of passenger safety and accountability in air travel.
