In an unusual travel experience, Pakistani businessman Waqas Hassan revealed that he flew to India via IndiGo Airlines, leaving many surprised.
While Pakistani passport holders can obtain visas for India, diplomatic tensions and security concerns make the process difficult, and leisure travel between the two nations is rare.
Hassan booked an IndiGo flight with a six-hour layover at Mumbai Airport while transiting from Singapore to Saudi Arabia.
In his Instagram video, he explained that Pakistanis can legally travel via Indian flights without a visa, provided their journey is strictly a connecting flight. However, they cannot exit the airport or book separate check-in flights.
During his layover, Hassan relaxed in the airport lounge, bought souvenirs, and even tried Mumbai’s famous street food, “Vada Pav.” Calling it an “interesting experience,” he admitted feeling a slight risk when booking the ticket.
He noted that flights from East to West, like Singapore to Saudi Arabia, are often cheaper on Indian airlines, making them an attractive option.
Upon presenting his Pakistani passport at Mumbai Airport, officials were taken aback.“They looked at me in surprise and said not many Pakistanis do this. It was a new experience for them as well,” Hassan shared.
His video quickly went viral, sparking divided opinions online.
A supportive Indian user commented, “Pakistanis should be allowed to visit India, and Indians should be allowed in Pakistan. We are all the same.”
However, another user questioned the excitement, stating, “What’s so special about staying at an airport in a country that won’t let you step outside?”
