Passenger Claims Inability to Walk After Fall on IndiGo Ramp at Delhi Airport
Ratnendu Ray, a passenger on an IndiGo flight, says he has been unable to walk since he fell on a plane ramp at Delhi Airport in August. The accident, which happened while disembarking early in the morning, left him with a severe ankle injury. He was rushed to a hospital in Gurugram, where doctors found a trimalleolar fracture, meaning his ankle was shattered.
My harrowing tale with @IndiGo6E , so that others can be careful. 1/n
— ratnendu ray (@ratnenduray) December 4, 2024
On Aug 14 early morning I landed in Delhi's T2 on an Indigo flight from Chennai. As is most common with them, no aerobridge was given, and instead they asked everyone to deboard using their ramps.
Ray shared his story on X (formerly Twitter), warning others about his experience with the airline. “My painful experience with IndiGo so that others can be careful,” he posted, along with details of the incident and a photo of his injury.
Good Lord! I am so sorry for what you went through!
— Ruchi Angrish (She/Her/Hers) (@RuchiAngrish) December 5, 2024
I can imagine the excruciating pain since I had two ankle fractures past one year – this dislocation looks so painful. 😥 💔@IndiGo6E must ensure the ramps are well lit, not wet & slippery. https://t.co/NsqUnkyuxs
What Happened?
On August 14, Ray landed at Delhi’s Terminal 2 from Chennai. Passengers were asked to deboard using a ramp instead of an aerobridge. According to Ray, it was drizzling when the flight arrived, and the ramp was dark with a damp patch. He said he was walking at a normal pace when his foot slipped, causing him to fall and severely injure his ankle.
Ray described the moment as excruciating. “My foot was completely bent, and the pain was unbearable. Another passenger helped me down,” he wrote. IndiGo staff then put him in a wheelchair, escorted him to the terminal clinic, and later sent him to a hospital by ambulance.
Doctors diagnosed him with a dislocated ankle joint and a severe fracture, requiring surgery. “I now have a plate and several screws in my right ankle. I use a walker, have swelling, scars, and pain, and I’m going through physiotherapy. Recovery could take a year,” he shared.
7/n In response Indigo customer service basically said (i am paraphrasing):
— ratnendu ray (@ratnenduray) December 4, 2024
i. ramp wasn't wet that could cause me to slip – implying I'm making it up or must have imagined the little damp patches
ii. I must be the idiot who can't walk down ramps as no one else fell that day😐 pic.twitter.com/buEvFdmsEk
Denied Compensation
Ray said he asked IndiGo for compensation, but his claim was denied. He also alleged that staff downplayed the incident, saying no other passengers had slipped on the ramp that day.
In response, IndiGo reportedly said, “You were the only passenger to face such an incident. Many others deboarded safely before and after you. Our team acted promptly, providing medical assistance and staying with you at the hospital until your wife arrived.”
Ray said the accident has caused financial strain due to high medical bills and disrupted his life, affecting his work and personal commitments.
Public Reactions
The post has drawn significant attention on social media. Many users expressed sympathy for Ray and shared concerns about the safety of ramps.
One commenter said, “I’ve used these ramps, and they feel wobbly too. This needs accountability.” Another added, “This sounds so painful. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
The incident highlights concerns about passenger safety during boarding and deboarding, especially in challenging conditions.
