NEW DELHI – IndiGo, one of India’s largest airlines, has come under intense scrutiny following a social media storm tagged #TOILETGATE, which highlighted a series of in-flight incidents raising serious concerns about passenger safety and privacy. The controversy gained traction after two separate but related allegations went viral.
The issue was first brought to the forefront by Sanjay Lazar, a senior aviation professional, who tweeted about his experience with IndiGo. He alleged that cabin crew members on his short-haul flight kept the lavatories locked for their own use, inconveniencing passengers and pointing to what he called unprofessional conduct.
The public’s frustration was further amplified by a far more disturbing allegation. A female passenger, identified as Rhea Chaterji, accused an IndiGo co-pilot of forcibly opening a locked lavatory door while she was inside. Chaterji described the experience as “shocked and utterly violated,” a claim that has sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms.
The dual nature of the complaints—one about convenience and the other a grave breach of privacy—caused #TOILETGATE to trend, with many users sharing their own stories of discomfort and perceived crew insensitivity. Critics argued that the incidents pointed to a larger issue of a lack of professionalism and respect for passengers.
In response to the backlash, IndiGo issued a public apology. The airline stated that the crew members involved had been “counselled and sensitised,” and that it would reinforce training programs to prevent such incidents in the future. However, many commentators and passengers felt the apology was “procedural rather than empathetic,” particularly given the severity of the co-pilot’s alleged actions.
The controversy has also opened a broader discussion about accountability within the Indian aviation industry. Aviation safety experts have called for a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to breaches of privacy. The incident underscores the growing role of social media in holding major corporations accountable and highlights the need for airlines to prioritize the fundamental values of dignity, safety, and respect for their customers.
It’s #TOILETGATE #Indigo
Hey @IndiGo6E just flew your airline – had a crap experience !
Since when do your flight attendants keep lavatories locked for their personal use on short flights ?I was waiting along with a queue of people outside the rear lavatories, (lav F & G) as… pic.twitter.com/7h7rvBk5BP
— Sanjay Lazar (@sjlazars) August 19, 2025
