IndiGo introduces gender-neutral ‘Mx’ option for flight bookings

NEW DELHI: IndiGo is set to introduce the gender-neutral honorific ‘Mx’ option to enhance inclusivity during the flight booking process. Currently, the airline’s website only offers ‘male’ and ‘female’ options during the booking process.
IndiGo’s group chief human resources officer Sukhjit S Pasricha said that the new option will provide a choice for transgenders who do not want to identify themselves.
Additionally, the airline aims to double the number of individuals with disabilities employed by it.
Meanwhile, Air India Express and Vistara already offer the ‘Mx’ option for passengers at the time of booking tickets.
Pasricha further said that the airline has also implemented various initiatives to support the LGBTQ+ community, such as employee referral programs designed to encourage the hiring of LGBTQ+ individuals. The airline has seen a steady induction of LGBTQ+ individuals working in various functions, including flying roles.
“This has strengthened candidate mobilisation through internal resources and fostered a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ employees… we partner with agencies specializing in LGBTQ+ recruitment. Benefits like gender reassignment surgery and the inclusion of live-in partners in medical insurance have further contributed to creating an inclusive space and attracting candidates from the community,” said Pasricha.
IndiGo had 36,860 permanent employees, including 5,038 pilots and 9,363 cabin crew as of March 31, 2024. The airline also employs over 240 individuals with disabilities across 60+ cities in customer-facing roles.
“The placement of individuals with disabilities is determined based on multiple factors, including safety, accommodation requirements, and skill mapping. We prioritise merit-based hiring and have primarily employed individuals with disabilities as customer service officers/executives for airport operations roles, with some also serving in cargo teams,” Pasricha added.