Phone checked, asked to show ticket: Passenger alleges harassment by Air India crew; airline says…

An Air India passenger has accused the airline’s staff of harassment during a recent flight from Bangkok to Delhi over a pre-selected meal, sharing his experience in a video on social media. The passenger, identified as Abhishek Chaudhry, recorded the incident on January 19 and posted it on Instagram in collaboration with a YouTuber friend. The video has since gone viral online.

Chaudhry alleged that his cousin, who was travelling with him, did not receive the pre-selected non-vegetarian meal by the time food service reached the rear rows. When he requested the meal, the cabin crew reportedly asked to see his ticket and spoke to him rudely.

He further claimed that a French passenger seated next to him faced a similar experience. In the video, the French passenger said that when he requested his non-vegetarian meal, the staff responded harshly, saying, “Show me your ticket,” instead of politely explaining the meal was unavailable.

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Chaudhry added that a senior crew member dismissed his concerns when he objected to the behaviour. He alleged that despite showing pre-selected tickets for himself and his cousin, the staff continued to question the booking and even referred to the wrong flight sector to confuse the matter.

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Allegations of intimidation and mistreatment

The passenger claimed that after filming the incident, cabin lights were dimmed, and he was blamed for the meal being unavailable. He also alleged that he was denied access to a complaint book and was stopped from deboarding after landing in Delhi. His phone was reportedly checked, and he was allegedly forced to write a statement agreeing not to post about the incident online.

Chaudhry stated that he was falsely accused of being drunk despite having consumed only one beer. He described the issue as being about “dignity and respect” rather than food, and shared images of his Air India ticket and a letter allegedly signed by the pilot, Tushar Singh, issuing him a “Code of Conduct Warning Letter.”

Air India responds

In response, an Air India spokesperson said, “Air India is aware of a video posted on social media by a passenger on flight AI2335 from Bangkok to Delhi on 19 January 2026. We are currently investigating the matter to ascertain the allegations made in the video. Necessary measures will be taken depending upon the outcome of the investigation. Air India deeply regrets the inconvenience caused and remains committed to prioritising the safety and comfort of all passengers and the crew.”

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Netizens voice outrage

The incident has drawn strong reactions on social media. One user wrote on X, “Unacceptable conduct, @airindia. This looks like misuse of authority and a violation of the Passenger Charter of Rights. @DGCAIndia @MoCA_GoI Please intervene.”

Another commented, “This is so ugly, the way hospitality has gone down in India. Air India should pull up its socks and ensure these mistakes don’t repeat.”

A third user added, “Very unfortunate and unprofessional way of treating genuine passengers by @airindia crew and pilots.”