Pune Author Swears Off Air India: ‘Will Take A Bullock Cart But Not Your Airline’

An author and vice president of a startup had a troubling experience on an Air India flight from Bengaluru to Pune on Monday, June 24. Aditya Kondawar was so dismayed by his experience that he vowed not to travel with the airline again, even considering alternative modes of transportation like a bullock cart over Air India.

In a note addressed to Air India on the micro-blogging platform X, Kondawar expressed his frustration, stating, “Thank you for teaching me a very valuable lesson last night.” He emphasized, “Never and I mean it with all seriousness – I am never flying Air India Express or Air India in my life again – I will pay 100% extra cost if needed but will take other airlines that are on time (only 2 other airline options anyways).” He went on to say, “Will take a bullock cart but not your airline.”

Kondawar then detailed his experience, mentioning that his flight, scheduled for 9:50 pm, departed around 12:15 am. He described the flight as “stinking” with seats that were “dirty and full of stains.” He also mentioned arriving home at 3 am after “sitting through multiple management interactions.”

Expressing his respect for the Tata Group and its leaders, Kondawar stated, “I expect perfection from them always” and described the experience as a “disaster.”

Air India Express responded to his complaint, promising to “fix the issue immediately.” Their response read, “Hi Aditya! We apologise for the inconvenience caused due to the disruption in your flight schedule. Please note that the incoming flight was delayed due to reasons beyond our control. We will look into the issue raised regarding your aircraft experience and will fix it immediately.”

Other social media users also shared their negative experiences with Air India Express. One individual claimed, “Sorry to hear, but my case was more horrible. When I travelled on a flight from Doha to Delhi, there was dry shit on my seat.” Another user expressed, “Air India Express is the worst. Our 7 am flight came at 8 pm from Srinagar.”