Air India faced criticism on Thursday after reports emerged that the entire cabin crew on a Delhi-Chicago flight was found asleep in business class, leaving passengers unattended during the long-haul journey.
The incident occurred during an 18-hour flight covering over 12,000 kilometres. According to foreign media, passengers were forced to search for crew members themselves when no service was provided for an extended period.
To their shock, the entire cabin crew was reportedly found asleep, some even snoring, in the airline’s business class section.
Aviation authorities confirmed that airlines, including Air India, often reserve business class seats to allow crew members rest on lengthy flights. However, they noted that all crew members sleeping simultaneously is a breach of in-flight safety protocols.
The airline, recently privatised, has been under scrutiny for declining service quality and organisational issues.
Critics say the lapse reflects broader mismanagement and increasing passenger complaints since the handover to private ownership.
Moreover, in another incident, an Air India Express pilot died on Wednesday after suffering a sudden medical emergency shortly after landing a flight from Srinagar to Delhi, the airline said.
The pilot, reported to be in his late 30s, had just completed operating the domestic sector and began feeling unwell upon arrival at Delhi airport. He was immediately rushed to a hospital but could not be revived.
“We deeply regret the loss of a valued colleague due to a medical condition,” the airline said in a statement issued Thursday.
Air India Express added that it was extending full support to the family and urged privacy during this difficult time. The carrier also requested the public to refrain from speculation as it cooperates with relevant authorities.
