BJP leader Jaiveer Shergill criticized Air India on social media, labeling it as the worst airline with complaints about broken seats and poor service. In his post, he claimed Air India would “win hands down” in categories like broken seat allocations and inadequate staff support. This sparked additional complaints from other passengers, including former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who also faced issues with a broken seat. While criticisms continued to circulate, some defended the airline, noting improvements since its acquisition by Tata. Both politicians received timely responses from Air India, promising to address their concerns.
New Delhi:
BJP leader Jaiveer Shergill on Tuesday awarded national carrier Air India a complete set of ‘Oscar’ awards in the “worst airlines” category, citing issues like broken seats among others. In a critical X post, Mr. Shergill remarked, “Flying Air India is not a pleasant experience but today (it) set a new low!”
“If there were an Oscar equivalent for WORST AIRLINES, Air India would effortlessly win in every category: > Broken Seats > Worst Staff > Pathetic “on Ground” Support Staff > Complete disregard for customer service!” he expressed in a post made at 10:39 PM.
The airline reacted nine hours later, stating, “Dear Mr. Shergill. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please share your travel details with us via DM. We will reach out to you.”
If there were an Oscar equivalent for WORST AIRLINES @airindia would effortlessly win in every category:
> Broken Seats
> Worst Staff
> Pathetic “on Ground” Support Staff
> Complete disregard for customer service!
Flying Air India is not a pleasant experience but today…
— Jaiveer Shergill (@JaiveerShergill) February 25, 2025
The brief exchange prompted numerous other Air India customers to voice their concerns as well, with one individual labeling the airline as “just horrible and pathetic,” while another shared he paid for a business class seat but was assigned a seat in the economy section.
However, many also defended the airline, highlighting that the Tata-owned company is actively upgrading its fleet and service standards following the takeover in January 2022.
Amidst mixed feedback, Mr. Shergill’s harsh critique adds to the airline’s troubles, especially after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan raised complaints of his own.
Shivraj Chouhan Scolds Air India
In an X post last week, Mr. Chouhan mentioned that he was given a broken seat on his flight from Bhopal to Delhi (on a year-old Airbus A321). “I sat down and found the seat was broken and leaned back. It was uncomfortable sitting,” the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister stated.
“When I inquired with the airline staff about why a faulty seat was assigned to me, they informed me that the management had previously been made aware that this seat was defective and shouldn’t be sold. This isn’t an isolated case; there are many more…” he elaborated in a lengthy post in Hindi.
आज मुझे भोपाल से दिल्ली आना था, पूसा में किसान मेले का उद्घाटन, कुरुक्षेत्र में प्राकृतिक खेती मिशन की बैठक और चंडीगढ़ में किसान संगठन के माननीय प्रतिनिधियों से चर्चा करनी है।
मैंने एयर इंडिया की फ्लाइट क्रमांक AI436 में टिकिट करवाया था, मुझे सीट क्रमांक 8C आवंटित हुई। मैं जाकर…
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) February 22, 2025
“My fellow passengers urged me to change my seat… but why should I inconvenience another for my situation? I opted to remain in my assigned seat throughout the journey.”
Mr. Chouhan then questioned the airline’s direction under its new owners, criticizing the “unethical” practice of assigning broken seats while charging customers full fare.
READ | “Asked For Action”: Minister On Shivraj Chouhan’s “Broken” Seat
Like with Mr. Shergill, the airline responded within hours. “Dear Sir, we apologize for the inconvenience. Please be assured we are investigating this matter to prevent future occurrences…”
Mr. Chouhan’s post also garnered a response from cabinet colleague Ram Mohan Naidu, the Union Aviation Minister. Mr. Naidu stated he had spoken to Mr. Chouhan and directed the airline to take appropriate actions.
Congress’ Jab
The Congress party seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling BJP, highlighting issues within the aviation and railway sectors. Reposting Mr. Chouhan’s tweet, the party remarked: “Passengers are troubled in trains, passengers are distressed on planes. People keep complaining and making videos, yet no action is taken.”
“Now that Shivrajji has faced an issue and tweeted about it — perhaps action will follow.”
Air India Returns To Tatas
Heavily indebted Air India returned to the Tata Group three years ago, with the Tatas paying Rs 18,000 crore, including Rs 2,700 crore in cash and the remainder in the form of debt transfer.
READ | “Dear Members Of Air India Family…”: Tata Chief’s Letter On Taking Over
Since then, the airline has undergone significant rebranding and fleet upgrades, including a major order for 250 aircraft from European aerospace leader Airbus and another 220 from Boeing. The purchase agreements include options for an additional 370 aircraft.
The airline has also merged with another company in the Tata portfolio – Vistara.
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