Comedian and actor Vir Das has publicly criticized Air India, alleging serious service failures during a recent flight to Delhi, despite paying Rs 50,000 per seat.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Das detailed a list of grievances, including broken leg rests, a damaged table, and a malfunctioning seat stuck in a reclined position. He also highlighted the airline’s failure to provide a wheelchair for his wife, who is currently recovering from a foot fracture, despite pre-booking the service.
“Dear Air India, please reclaim your wheelchair,” he wrote, adding that as a longtime loyal customer, he was disappointed to share such an experience. “This post pains me to write,” he said.
The flight, described by the crew as “newly refurbished,” was also delayed by two hours. Upon landing in Delhi, Das said they were made to disembark using a stepladder, with no assistance from the crew or ground staff for his injured wife.
“I asked Air India staff for help while I carried four bags. I was met with silence, shrugs, and clueless looks,” he wrote. Ultimately, he claimed he had to wheel his wife himself through the terminal to the parking area after locating a wheelchair on his own.
One of his most striking remarks: “One of your wheelchairs is on the second floor of the parking in Delhi. Do claim it.”
Air India responded to the viral post saying they “understand and empathize” with the experience and are looking into the matter on priority. Das, however, reiterated his frustration, telling the airline to simply “get your wheelchair.”
The incident has reignited criticism of Air India’s service quality, especially in the wake of other recent complaints, including from public figures and even government ministers.
