• By Atul Huckoo

“I hope this note finds all Air Indians well, and that they are comfortably seated with ample legroom, unlike my recent experience on Flight AI 144 from Newark to Mumbai on February 12, 2025. Allow me to regale you with the tale of my airborne adventure.

The Aircraft: A Blast from the Past:

Upon boarding, I couldn’t help but notice that the aircraft, seemingly on loan from Etihad Airways, boasted an interior that could best be described as “retro chic,” with upholstery in shades reminiscent of a melancholy raincloud. The seats were so snug that I half-expected a flight attendant to hand me a can of sardines as a welcome gift. Navigating the aisles required the agility of a seasoned gymnast, lest one risk an inadvertent game of bumper cars with fellow passengers.

Culinary Capers at 35,000 Feet:

The in-flight dining experience was a journey in itself. Presented with the choice between Hindu vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, I embarked on a gastronomic expedition. Lunch featured chicken masala accompanied by rice that had all the zest of a damp sponge. The salad was so dry it might have been auditioning for a role in a desert documentary, and the dessert was as inspiring as a Monday morning without coffee.

Dinner’s pièce de resistance was a chicken biryani that seemed to have misplaced its invitation to the flavor party. The rice appeared to be plain white grains in disguise, with chicken pieces playing a game of hide and seek. The chickpea salad, adorned with coconut, offered a single bite’s worth of adventure before I waved the white flag. The pre-landing snack was a chicken kati roll, completing the poultry parade. My vegetarian neighbor, meanwhile, was treated to an all-paneer extravaganza, leading me to believe that Air India might be in cahoots with a paneer surplus warehouse.

Beverage Brouhaha:

Turning to the beverage service, I was introduced to a whisky brand that was as unfamiliar to me as a snowstorm in Mumbai. The absence of a single malt option left my spirits as low as the economy cabin’s legroom. The red wine, a Concha y Toro Merlot, is available in liquor stores for the price of a fancy cup of coffee. When the cabin crew attempted to serve this vintage in a paper cup, I felt as though I were at a college frat party rather than on a transcontinental flight. Only after a polite protest was, I granted the luxury of a glass.

Aspirations and Realities:

If Air India aims to soar alongside the eagles of the airline industry, such as Qatar Airways and Emirates, there is a considerable journey ahead. This experience was a far cry from the golden days when flying with your airline was synonymous with exceptional service.

While I understand that the airline has weathered turbulent times under previous management, I had high hopes that the Tata acquisition would herald a renaissance. Alas, this voyage was more “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” than “Around the World in 80 Days.”

I trust that Air India will take this feedback in the spirit intended and consider the necessary enhancements to restore Air India’s reputation to its former glory.

(Story / courtesy Rishikant Singh)