Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Viral Flight Food Video Sparks Debate Over Indian Travel Etiquette
A video showed a large family sharing Gujarati food on an airplane.
The group reportedly passed snacks such as dhokla, thepla, chutney, fafda and jalebi around the cabin.
Some people were seen walking in the aisle and standing on seats.
Other passengers said the smell and activity disturbed them.
Critics said the behavior ignored airplane safety and consideration for others.
Some people argued that one family should not represent all Indian travelers.
They pointed out that tourists from many countries can behave badly.
Experts said people can enjoy their culture while still respecting shared spaces.
The main lesson is to celebrate without making other passengers uncomfortable or unsafe.
A video showed an approximately 15-person family group sharing Gujarati snacks aboard an IndiGo flight.
Passengers said some group members moved through the aisle, stood on seats and inconvenienced fellow travelers.
Critics called for stronger action, including possible placement on India’s No-Fly List.
Travel experts said cultural celebration is acceptable only when it respects shared public spaces.
Others argued that unruly tourists exist everywhere and that Indian travelers are unfairly generalized online.
- Who
- An approximately 15-person family group on an IndiGo flight, along with fellow passengers and travel commentators.
- What
- A viral video showed the group sharing homemade Gujarati food and reportedly moving around the cabin, prompting criticism of its civic sense and travel etiquette.
- When
- During a two-hour flight; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Aboard an IndiGo flight; the article does not identify the route.
- Why
- Passengers and critics said the group’s food-sharing, aisle activity and alleged disregard for safety and privacy inconvenienced others, while defenders said Indian travelers are being unfairly stereotyped.
Critics of the Behavior
Defenders of Indian Travelers
Respect for shared spaces
Critics of the Behavior
The group’s aisle activity, standing on seats and food odor allegedly disrupted passengers and raised concerns about safety, privacy and comfort.
Defenders of Indian Travelers
Eating familiar food, speaking one’s language and celebrating with family are not inherently wrong when they do not inconvenience others.
Impact on India’s image
Critics of the Behavior
Repeated viral incidents may create a negative impression of Indian travelers and contribute to concerns among some hotels and Airbnb hosts.
Defenders of Indian Travelers
A few loud families should not be used to caricature a diverse population that also includes well-behaved tourists, students and business travelers.
Whether the behavior is uniquely Indian
Critics of the Behavior
The incidents are presented as evidence of an awareness gap among some first-time international travelers about social etiquette in shared spaces.
Defenders of Indian Travelers
Unruly tourists exist across nationalities, including drunken European groups and disruptive American, Chinese and Russian tourists; Indian videos may receive disproportionate attention because of existing stereotypes.
- Group size
- Approximately 15 family members
- Food shown
- Dhokla, thepla, chutney, fafda and jalebi
- Flight duration
- About two hours
- Airline
- IndiGo
- Requested action
- Some passengers asked the airline and DGCA to consider the India No-Fly List
- Core debate
- Whether cultural expression on flights crossed into disruptive behavior
- Broader concern
- Critics cited repeated videos of unruly Indian tourists and travelers, while others opposed generalizing from isolated incidents