Air India apologises after cockroach sightings mid air on San Francsico-Mumbai flight

Passenger complaints over in-flight pests spark renewed concerns about Air India’s hygiene and safety standards amid a string of recent operational issues.

Air India has issued a formal apology following reports that passengers spotted cockroaches mid-air during a long-haul flight from San Francisco to Mumbai. The incident, which occurred on flight AI 180 with a scheduled refuelling stop in Kolkata, has raised fresh concerns over the airline’s in-flight hygiene standards.

According to airline sources, two passengers reported seeing “small cockroaches” during the journey. The cabin crew swiftly relocated the affected passengers to other seats within the same class, ensuring their comfort for the remainder of the flight.

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During the stopover in Kolkata, the airline conducted a deep cleaning of the aircraft to address the issue before continuing on to Mumbai. In a statement, Air India explained that despite routine fumigation protocols, insects can occasionally find their way onboard during ground handling processes. The airline has promised a thorough investigation into the matter and pledged to take stronger preventive steps.

This incident adds to a growing list of concerns plaguing the Tata Group-owned carrier. Recently, Air India has come under scrutiny for a series of safety and service lapses. These include an engine failure on the same AI 180 route in June, flights diverted due to burning smells, extreme cabin temperatures, and previous reports of poor food safety and foreign objects in meals.

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