Pune Author Claims To Prefer Bullock Cart Over Air India Express After Nightmarish Flight Experience

Aditya Kondawar, an author and vice president of a startup, swore off flying with Air India Express after a harrowing flight experience. He was on an Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Pune on June 24 when he encountered several issues. He vowed to never travel with the airline again, stating that he would rather pay twice the price and switch to a different airline next time.

The author justified his frustrations by detailing a two-hour flight delay from 9:50 pm to 12:20 am, along with a foul odor and seats covered in stains. He finally reached home at 3 am after "sitting through multiple management interactions."

"Thank you for teaching me a very valuable lesson last night. 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 I will choose other airlines that are punctual (only two other airline options anyways). I would take a bullock cart over your airline," he wrote on X.

"I have immense respect for the Tata group and their leaders. I expect perfection from them always, and this was a disaster, honestly speaking!" Kondawar added.

Shortly after, Air India responded to his ordeal with an apology. "Hi, Aditya! We apologize 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 issues raised regarding your aircraft experience and will address them."

In another comment, the company wrote, "We never want our guests to have such an experience, Aditya. Rest assured, we've noted your feedback and will take steps to improve. Please consider this an isolated incident and give us the chance to serve you better in the future."

Similar experiences with Air India Express were shared by several others online. One user said, "They won't mend their ways. It has become worse since the takeover. Earlier, it was only making losses. Now, the service level has become pathetic."

"Mine was even more horrible, brother. The flight to Goa was delayed by four hours, and then they found a bag in the back seat mid-flight, keeping the flight isolated at Dabolim airport for another three hours. Further, they kept our baggage for clearance for an additional hour. The whole day was wasted," said user Vishal Malhotra.

"Air India Express is the worst. Our 7 am flight arrived at 8 pm from Srinagar," criticized a third person.

Another commented, "Standard response! They don't care about customer satisfaction. If they did, these repetitive complaints would not keep arising. The main problem is the continuing PSU culture."