Pune Man Slams Air India After ‘Stinky’ Flight Delayed By 2 Hours: ‘Would Rather Take Bullock Cart’

Imagine an airline experience so dreadful that you’d prefer the slow, bumpy ride of a bullock cart. That’s exactly how an author and vice president of a startup felt after his Air India flight from Bengaluru to Pune on Monday, June 24. Aditya Kondawar was so frustrated by the ordeal that he vowed never to fly with the airline again. He even mentioned he’d rather pay extra or consider other means of travel, like a bullock cart, than board another Air India flight.

Sharing his experience on ‘X’, Kondawar wrote, “Thank you for teaching me a very valuable lesson last night,” addressing Air India. He emphasised, “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).”

“Will take a bullock cart but not your airline,” he underscored.

Kondawar detailed the reasons behind his strong words. His flight, scheduled for 9:50 pm, finally took off around 12:15 am. “The flight was stinking and the seats were so dirty and full of stains.” Kondawar, who holds the Tata Group and its leaders in high regard, expected nothing less than perfection from them, calling this experience a “disaster.”

Air India Express later issued an apology, attributing the delay to circumstances beyond their control and promising to address the issues raised.

“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,” the airline responded. Kondawar, however, remained unsatisfied, warning, “I am sure you guys will keep losing many customers if you keep this up. Your aircraft cleanliness was worse than a Mumbai local.”

In a follow-up comment, the company assured, “We never want our guests to have such an experience, Aditya. Rest assured, we’ve noted your feedback and will look into it. Please consider this an isolated incident and give us the chance to serve you better in the future.”