'Did not report incident as...': Air India informs DGCA about 'urinating' incident on New York-Delhi flight

The Tata Group-owned former national airline, Air India, has responded to aviation watchdog DGCA on the rare incident that happened on one of its New York-Delhi flight. On November 26, 2022, a male passenger travelling on the fight allegedly peed on a female traveller, a senior citizen seating in bussiness class. As per the female passenger, Air India didn't take any action despite her requesting to change the seat. She also wrote a letter to Tata Sons Chairman to highlight the matter. Later, a police complaint was filed and a manhunt was initiated by Delhi Police. 

In the meanwhile, DGCA had sought a response from Air India on the matter. The airline said that its staff had not complained to law enforcement about the Mumbai businessman who allegedly urinated on a female passenger on a New York-Delhi flight in November as the aggrieved lady had "rescinded" an initial request for action after the two "appeared" to have sorted out the issue. 

It stated that the unnamed business class offender has been banned from flying on Air India for 30 days, pending a report of its Internal Committee. The Committee has obtained the necessary documentation and held its first hearing, sources said, quoting from Air India's reply.

The alleged perpetrator has requested for additional documents prior to a second hearing scheduled for January 10, they said. Meanwhile, a senior DGCA official said, "We are examining their (Air India's) response."

While the Palam Police Station in Delhi has registered a case, the aggrieved passenger has been refunded the flight fare. Detailing the incident, Air India told DGCA that its cabin crew received a complaint from a female passenger on board AI 102 on November 26, 2022 that a male co-passenger had soiled her clothes and bags by relieving himself near the seat she was in.

The crew assisted the female passenger to a different seat in the same class and provided a set of dry clothes and slippers. The female passenger initially requested that action be taken against the offender upon arrival. However subsequently, she rescinded her request after the two parties appeared to have sorted the matter out between them, Air India told DGCA.

Sources said the airline in its reply stated that the cabin crew reported the incident to the Commander and logged it in the Voyage Report. As there was no further flare-up or confrontation, and respecting the perceived wishes of the female passenger, the crew elected not to summon law enforcement upon landing, it added.

The matter has been reported to the Internal Committee in accordance with the rules for declaring a passenger 'unruly'. The airline stated that it has been in regular contact with the aggrieved passenger and her family during the investigation and reporting process.

In addition, Air India is reviewing its standing instructions to crew on the reporting of such incidents to authorities on arrival, including in scenarios where the alleged victim does not wish such a report to be made.

With PTI inputs