DGCA seeks Air India’s response after minister complains about ‘broken seat’
PTC Web Desk: India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has sought a response from Air India after Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan publicly criticised the airline’s service. The minister, in a social media post, alleged that he was assigned a “broken and sunken seat” on flight AI436 while travelling from Bhopal to Delhi.
Shivraj Chouhan expressed his disappointment, stating that he had expected improved service following Tata’s takeover of Air India. “It is unethical to make passengers sit on damaged and uncomfortable seats after charging the full fare. Isn’t this cheating the passengers?” he questioned in his post.
Following his remarks, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that the government had spoken to Air India and instructed the airline to address the issue. The ministry also engaged with Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, emphasising the need for immediate corrective measures.
In response, an Air India spokesperson issued an apology, stating, “Air India deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This does not reflect the standard of service we strive to provide, and we are conducting a thorough investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Chouhan further revealed that airline staff admitted to being aware of the faulty seat before the flight but had still sold its ticket. “Several co-passengers suggested I switch seats, but why should I trouble another passenger for my sake?” he said.
Air India has recently begun retrofitting its older aircraft, replacing outdated seats and upgrading cabin interiors. The narrow-body fleet's refurbishments are expected to be completed this year, while work on wide-body aircraft will follow. However, delays in the global supply chain have slowed the process.
- With inputs from agencies
