In the midst of this COVID-19 outbreak, IndiGo Airlines on March 23 claimed instances wherein its employees were ostracised by their communities due to their “line of duty and travel history”. In some cases, the residents welfare associations (RWAs) and neighbours even called police constables.
Watch the video of an employee, Priyanka Kandpal, complaining of how people in her neighbourhood have ostracised her.
These incidents are known to have taken place after a similar situation happened with Air India crew on March 22.
While on the one hand people gave standing ovations and clapped for their unsung heroes, acknowledging their dedication for their nation, on the other hand these heroes are being tagged as criminals because of their travel history. A Kolkata-based IndiGo cabin crew was last week asked to divulge her travel history by neighbours as she returned to her house following a flight.
As Air India’s statement rightfully pointed out, “These vigilantes have conveniently forgotten that many a spouse, parent, sibling, child and near and dear one has been brought home safe and secure from affected countries thanks to the heroic efforts of these Air India crew.”
India has banned all international flights with effect from March 22, for a period of one week. Moreover, the Indian government on Monday stated that no domestic flight will be flying in its airspace from March 25 onward.
“Please support our operating colleagues in such a difficult time,” appealed the Airline.
