BHOPAL/MUMBAI: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently expressed his displeasure with Tata Group-owned Air India after being assigned a “broken and sunk” seat on a flight. The incident has drawn widespread attention, leading to an apology from the airline and an immediate probe. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has also stepped in, directing Air India to take necessary action.
Chouhan, the Union Minister for Agriculture, took to social media platform X to share his experience. He was traveling on Air India flight AI436 from Bhopal to Delhi to attend a farmers’ fair in Pusa, a Natural Farming Mission meeting in Kurukshetra, and discussions with farmer representatives in Chandigarh. Upon boarding, he was assigned seat number 8C, which he found to be defective and uncomfortable.
“The seat was broken and sunk, making it extremely uncomfortable to sit. When I raised the issue with the crew, they informed me that the management was already aware of the seat’s condition and that it shouldn’t have been sold to passengers,” Chouhan wrote. He added that several other seats on the flight were in a similar state.
Despite fellow passengers offering to switch seats, Chouhan chose to complete his journey on the defective seat, stating that he did not want to inconvenience others. He expressed disappointment with Air India, noting that he had expected better service after the Tata Group took over the airline.
“This is not just about my discomfort. Charging passengers full fare and then assigning them defective seats is unethical. Isn’t this a form of deception?” Chouhan questioned. He urged the airline to ensure such incidents do not recur and to prioritize passenger comfort.
Civil Aviation Minister Steps In
Following Chouhan’s post, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu took swift action. He instructed Air India to address the issue and assured that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would investigate the matter. Naidu also personally spoke to Chouhan to address his concerns.
Air India’s Response
Air India promptly apologized for the incident and announced a thorough investigation. In a statement, the airline said, “We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to Hon’ble Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This does not reflect the standard of service we strive to provide. We are conducting a thorough investigation to ensure such incidents are not repeated.”
The airline also reached out to Chouhan on X, requesting an opportunity to discuss the matter further and ensure corrective measures.
Key Takeaways
This incident highlights the need for airlines to maintain high standards of passenger comfort and safety. With Air India under new management, passengers expect improved services, and such lapses could harm the airline’s reputation. The DGCA’s involvement underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring passenger rights.
Source: Web Team, C6N
