IndiGo slammed as ‘Extreme Heavy’ coffin tag featuring elephant graphic goes viral

A photograph showing a large coffin in plastic wrap, tagged with cargo labels including one labeled “Extreme Heavy” featuring an elephant graphic, has ignited controversy on social media. The image was posted on X alongside a comment suggesting that IndiGo Airlines reconsider the labeling for the shipment of human remains to show more respect for the deceased.

The shared post also indicated that a video associated with this image had appeared on Instagram via an agency involved in the transport of human remains. The post gained widespread attention, prompting users to call for IndiGo Airlines to review its practices regarding the transport of such sensitive cargo.

Responses varied, with some users expressing outrage over what they perceived as an insensitive oversight, while others defended the airline, arguing that the “Extreme Heavy” tag and accompanying elephant graphic are standard practices used to indicate weight, not disrespect. Some comments criticized the situation as a breach of privacy for the deceased and their families, while others noted that such labels are common across the aviation industry for safety purposes. It was suggested that airlines could consider more sensitive methods for labeling human remains to balance procedural requirements with dignity and respect.