In response to growing concerns about passenger safety, India’s largest budget airline, IndiGo, has introduced a new feature that allows female passengers to choose seats exclusively next to other women. This initiative, which began testing in May, is aimed at enhancing both safety and comfort for female travelers during flights. The airline now offers women the option to select seats marked in pink, indicating that they will be seated beside another female passenger.
The new seating option is visible only to female passengers during the seat selection process. As part of the booking procedure, passengers are required to specify their gender, which enables this feature. According to IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, the initiative has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly on social media, where many female travelers have expressed appreciation for the added sense of security.
However, the introduction of female-only seating has also sparked debate. Some critics have labeled the initiative as discriminatory, arguing that it reinforces gender segregation rather than addressing the root causes of in-flight misconduct. The discussion intensified in the wake of several high-profile incidents, including a 2023 case where an intoxicated male passenger urinated on a female traveler during an Air India flight, igniting public outrage and raising questions about airline safety measures.
Despite the controversy, IndiGo has defended its decision, emphasizing its commitment to providing a safer and more comfortable flying experience for female passengers. The airline has not explicitly confirmed whether the recent incidents involving inappropriate behavior by male passengers directly influenced the introduction of this feature. However, the move is seen by many as a proactive step toward addressing the unique concerns of female travelers.
Online, the debate continues to unfold, with some users applauding IndiGo’s efforts to prioritize women’s safety, while others question the broader implications for gender identity and potential discrimination. The initiative has opened up a larger conversation about how airlines can best protect all passengers while ensuring that safety measures are inclusive and equitable.
As IndiGo navigates the mixed reactions to its female-only seating option, the airline remains focused on its goal of enhancing passenger well-being. Whether this feature will become a permanent fixture or evolve based on further feedback remains to be seen. For now, it represents a significant effort by one of India’s leading airlines to respond to the safety concerns of its female passengers in an increasingly complex travel landscape.