India’s aviation sector has grown significantly over the years, evolving from a monopolistic market to one characterized by increased competition and liberalization. Today, it stands among the largest aviation markets globally, hosting numerous domestic and international airlines. However, with this expansion, challenges like passenger safety and comfort persist. Issues such as in-flight hygiene and catering services have often been under scrutiny.
In a recent incident, a passenger on an Air India flight from Delhi to New York discovered a cockroach in her meal. The situation quickly garnered attention, prompting the airline to issue an official statement.
Passenger Discovers Cockroach in Meal
The passenger shared her experience on social media, stating that she and her two-year-old child had consumed more than half of an omelette before noticing the cockroach. She claimed that both suffered food poisoning as a result. Along with photos and a video, she tagged Air India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu in her post, writing:
“Found a cockroach in the omelette served to me on the @airindia flight from Delhi to New York. My 2-year-old finished more than half of it with me when we found this. Suffered from food poisoning as a result.”
Found a cockroach in the omelette served to me on the @airindia flight from Delhi to New York. My 2 year old finished more than half of it with me when we found this. Suffered from food poisoning as a result. @DGCAIndia @RamMNK pic.twitter.com/1Eyc3wt3Xw
— Suyesha Savant (@suyeshasavant) September 28, 2024
Air India’s Response
As the post went viral, it sparked widespread criticism of Air India’s reputation. The airline responded swiftly to the complaint, posting:
“Dear Ms. Savant, we’re very sorry to hear about your experience. Please share your booking details via DM so that we can investigate promptly.”
Dear Ms. Savant, we’re very sorry to hear about your experience. Please share your booking details via DM so that we can investigate promptly.
— Air India (@airindia) September 28, 2024
A spokesperson for Air India further addressed the incident, assuring that the company was taking the matter seriously. They revealed that an investigation had been initiated in collaboration with their catering partner to prevent future occurrences. The spokesperson stated:
“We are aware of a social media post by a passenger regarding a foreign object in the onboard meal offered to them on AI 101 operating from DEL to JFK on September 17, 2024. We will take necessary actions to prevent any recurrence of such instances in the future.”
The spokesperson also highlighted that Air India works with globally reputable caterers who adhere to strict protocols and inspections to ensure food quality.
Public Reaction
The viral post triggered an outpouring of negative reviews and discussions about Air India’s service standards. Many criticized the airline, questioning whether its response and actions were sufficient.
It’s very https://t.co/jg0uH7raoI also cannot skip food in long haul flights.Air india must answer for such mishaps repeatedly.
— Bhadresh Shah (@shahenggs68) September 28, 2024
This is horrible @airindia my wife kept asking for assistance from the in flight staff but they seemed completely helpless.
Uncomfortable journey for parents spouse and my 2 year old daughter. Aircraft seats not maintained, Food & Hygiene you can see in the pics. A direct flight…— Kunal Sharma (@Kunalcomposure) September 28, 2024
What non sense air India is doing?
— Bharat TV (@tiw96079) September 28, 2024
It’s very https://t.co/jg0uH7raoI also cannot skip food in long haul flights.Air india must answer for such mishaps repeatedly.
— Bhadresh Shah (@shahenggs68) September 28, 2024
I hv listed@airindia in no fly list airlines.
— MANOJ KUMAR (@sakhiherbals) September 28, 2024
I still fail to understand why do people fly @airindia – I think we should all take stand and say “No to Air India”.
I hope @SingaporeAir at least do not have a code sharing with @airindia though it has 25% stake on it.— Dippies (@sdippies) September 28, 2024
What are your thoughts on Air India’s response? Do you think it’s adequate, or should they take further steps to improve their catering services?
