'Worst flight experience': UN diplomat flags Air India's poor services
What's the story
Air India has come under criticism once again amid repeated on-flight incidents. This time, a United Nations (UN) diplomat slammed the airline for its poor service and unhygienic cabins. The aggrieved passenger, who was on the airline's New York-New Delhi flight last week, took to Twitter to complain about the presence of cockroaches and the lack of entertainment, call buttons, and reading lights.
Details
Air India Delhi-bound flight was my worst: UN diplomat
Complaining about the lack of in-flight services, the diplomat tweeted, "As a UN diplomat, I've flown worldwide, but Air India 102 JFK to Delhi was my worst flight experience: broken seats, no entertainment/call buttons/reading lights, and cockroaches. Poison spray. Disregard for customer care." The official also sought clarification on how Air India flights from New York-New Delhi have cockroaches and lack onboard safety equipment.
Twitter Post
Diplomat tweeted photos and videos on Twitter
@RNTata2000 Any thoughts and comments on how Air India flights from NY are infested with cockroaches and has non-operational standard Onboard safety equipment?@USFAA @airindiain ? https://t.co/wvmPIrBjkA
— GPS (@Gurpreet13hee13) March 20, 2023
Reaction
'Regret inconvenience' says Air India on matter
Soon after the diplomat's tweets, Air India's Twitter account responded, apologizing for the inconvenience caused to the official. "Dear Sir, we sincerely regret the experience you have had with us. This is not something good to hear. Please help us with your booking details via DM for us to highlight the same to the relevant team for necessary review," AI replied to his tweet.
History
Similar incidents in the past
This is not the first time that passengers on Air India flights have had a bad experience. In 2019, Air India was chastised after a passenger reported seeing a dead cockroach in the breakfast served on a trip from Bhopal to Mumbai. The aircraft also came under fire recently after allegedly disregarding passengers' complaints about urination incidents.
Market
India currently world's 3rd largest aviation market
The recent incident can be viewed as a setback for India's growing aviation sector, which has emerged as one of the fastest-growing industries. Currently, the country is the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, trailing only the United States and China. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, it is expected to surpass the United Kingdom as the third-largest air passenger market by 2024.