Actress Tillotama Shome criticizes Air India for 8.5 hour delay: No solution given
Actress Tillotama Shome expressed her disappointment over the long delay in her London-bound Air India flight. He criticized the airline’s communication and responsiveness, which affected several passengers, including a patient requiring immediate medical care.
Actress Tillotama Shome took to social media platform to share a message with a patient in need of medical treatment.
In his series of tweets, Shome first shed light on the initial delay, writing, “AI 129. @AirIndia flight to Heathrow. Delayed as of now from 5.15am to 10am. To inform passengers about the delay.” There is no message, no call from the airlines.” Upon contacting AI, all they can say is that there is zero accountability and no solution provided.”
As the delays continued, Shome explained the new timing and expressed his concerns about the airline’s treatment of passengers. “AI 129 to Heathrow is delayed from 5.15am to 1.30pm. No notice of delay given. No calls, no messages. No hotel provided to sleep in. No alternative flight options. Our luggage Checked. Is it legal? How is it?” Are we being compensated?
One of Shome’s most serious concerns was the condition of his fellow passenger who required immediate medical treatment in London. He said, “A patient undergoing treatment has been sitting here since 2 am to catch a 5.15 am flight. He has to go to London for treatment. We sincerely request @AirIndia to wait till you do your job properly.” Don’t do the operation until you do.”
In his last tweet, he appealed to both Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to respond. He concluded, “@DGCAIndia What is the way forward? How will we be compensated for this delay? Awaiting your response. Regards, a concerned and weary citizen.”
Air India’s response
Air India responded to her concerns, writing, “Dear Ms Shome, We understand that flight disruption can be frustrating. Rest assured, our colleagues at the airport are doing everything they can to minimize any inconvenience. For real-time assistance, passengers are requested to reach out to them (sic).”
However, Shome immediately responded by expressing his dissatisfaction. “Where are they for any real-time assistance? After check-in, we are now being informed that the flight has been delayed by 3.5 hours. That’s a total delay of 8.5 hours,” he wrote.
Air India later responded and claimed that passengers had been informed. “Ma’am, information regarding the delay was sent to the registered phone number. Furthermore, our team on the ground is actively communicating with passengers to provide assistance and provide real-time updates about the situation. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused you (sic),” he wrote.
Shome refuted the claim, tweeting, “No. And it’s not just me, many passengers have received no communication. Your staff acknowledged this, saying, ‘It takes time to call so many people We called as many people as we could. This is no time for a house party, this is a flight. Stop taking responsibility.
As of now, there has been no further response from Air India and Shome’s tweet has sparked a wider conversation about the airline’s accountability and communication with passengers during the extended delay.
