Air India Offloads 15 Passengers for Crew on Delhi-Kolkata Route

Incident Breakdown

On December 15 evening, AI478 (Delhi-Kolkata) saw chaos when 15 confirmed passengers were deboarded post-boarding to free seats for incoming crew. Frustrated travelers argued with staff, leading to heated exchanges and airport delays. Air India offered alternate flights but tensions boiled over at IGIA T3.

Key Highlights

Victims Impacted: 15 passengers, including families; some waited 4+ hours for re-accommodation on later flights.

Airline Rationale: Operational rest for crew from international leg; standard protocol but poorly communicated.

Passenger Fury: Videos show shouting matches; demands for compensation and priority boarding unmet initially.

Broader Context: Follows recent Air India incidents like Vijayawada crash; highlights merger integration strains post-Tata takeover.

Sources: Financial Express, Moneycontrol