'Felt like a dog': Air India flyer claims rude behaviour by cabin crew on Bangkok–Delhi flight; airline responds

(Image: X/@ruchikokcha)

• Passenger alleges rude behaviour by Air India crew over non-veg meal request
• Air India has launched an internal investigation into the incident
• Ministry of Civil Aviation has contacted the passenger for details

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An alleged mid-air altercation on an international Air India flight has triggered questions over passenger rights, after a flyer accused cabin crew of misbehaviour when he asked for a pre-ordered non-vegetarian meal.

Abhishek Chaudhry, who was travelling from Bangkok to Delhi with his cousin on January 19, recorded a video on board in which he claimed that the cabin crew behaved rudely towards him and a French passenger seated next to him.

Chaudhry alleged that the crew threatened him, following which the pilot issued a formal warning.

In the video, the French passenger accused the cabin staff of speaking to him harshly after he asked for his non-vegetarian meal. “When I asked for my non-veg meal, instead of saying ‘sorry sir, we don’t have any meal’, they asked me for my ticket. The chief of staff spoke very tough to me. I felt like a dog,” he said, adding that the incident had put him off flying Air India again.

Sharing a deeply disturbing incident involving Abhishek Chaudhary on an Air India flight that raises serious questions about passenger rights and abuse of authority. On 19 January 2026, Abhishek was travelling on Air India AI2335 from Bangkok to Delhi, seat 29C. He had… pic.twitter.com/lsXifDlp2F

— ruchi kokcha (@ruchikokcha) January 22, 2026

Chaudhry said he intervened when the crew spoke sharply to the foreign passenger, after which he was told to keep quiet. Minutes later, when he requested the non-vegetarian meal he had pre-selected for his cousin, the crew again asked for his ticket. He said he downloaded the booking details from his email and showed proof of the meal selection.

According to Chaudhry, the crew then accused him of having returned the meal and refused to engage further when he asked for the flight logbook to complain. Naming a cabin crew member, Meenakshi Chaturvedi, he alleged that the situation was handled in an “unprofessional and rude” manner.

He also claimed that his 22-year-old cousin did not receive any food during the flight, calling it a distressing first flying experience for him. Chaudhry said some fellow passengers later criticised him for supporting a foreigner, but insisted the issue was about respectful conduct, not racism.

After landing in Delhi, Chaudhry alleged that he was handed a warning letter by pilot Tushar Singh, citing disturbance to other passengers. He further claimed that the crew threatened him and attempted to forcibly check his phone, violating his privacy.

Reacting to the video, a social media user said issuing a code-of-conduct warning to a complainant sets a “dangerous precedent” and called for intervention by authorities.

Air India said it is aware of the video and has launched an internal investigation. “Necessary measures will be taken depending upon the outcome of the investigation. Air India deeply regrets the inconvenience caused and remains committed to prioritising the safety and comfort of all passengers and the crew,” a spokesperson said.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also contacted the passenger and sought details of the journey and the incident, reported NDTV.