Punjab MP slams Air India over 'broken seats, non-functional screens' on long-haul flights: 'Unacceptable'

Air India

• Congress MP Aujla urges Air India to upgrade long-haul flights
• Passengers report broken seats, poor cleanliness, faulty screens
• Aujla urges improved service on Canada-Australia routes

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Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Gurjeet Singh Aujla has approached Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu over what he describes as deteriorating standards on Air India’s ultra-long-haul services.

Representing Amritsar in the Lok Sabha, Aujla said he has been inundated with grievances, particularly from passengers hailing from Punjab and the wider North Indian diaspora, about the state of aircraft operating to destinations such as Vancouver, Toronto and cities in Australia.

In a post on X, Aujla wrote: “Passengers on long-haul flights to Vancouver, Toronto & Australia are paying very high fares but travelling on aircraft with non-functional screens, broken seats, worn upholstery & poor cleanliness. This is unacceptable.”

According to him, the concerns largely relate to flights lasting between 12 and 15 hours, where travellers expect a basic level of comfort in return for premium ticket prices.

Concerns over onboard conditions

In his communication to the minister, Aujla highlighted recurring issues reported by passengers. These include inoperative seat-back entertainment units, loose or damaged seating, impaired armrests, frayed upholstery, and substandard cabin upkeep. He said that even essential in-flight amenities are frequently not working, leaving travellers dissatisfied during extended journeys.

The MP noted that students, families, and professionals heading abroad are among those affected. Many, he said, feel that the services provided fall short of acceptable global benchmarks, especially on routes heavily used by the Indian diaspora.

He reiterated his appeal publicly, stating: “Urge Hon’ble Civil Aviation Minister Mr Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure immediate upgradation of Air India long-haul fleet, better ground support & modern facilities for international passengers, especially from Punjab. Our diaspora deserves world-class service.”

Passengers on long-haul flights to Vancouver, Toronto & Australia are paying very high fares but travelling on aircraft with non-functional screens, broken seats, worn upholstery & poor cleanliness. This is unacceptable. Urge Hon’ble Civil Aviation Minister Mr Ram Mohan Naidu to… pic.twitter.com/69KOFZs2Ov

— Gurjeet Singh Aujla (@GurjeetSAujla) February 16, 2026

Call for immediate and interim measures

While acknowledging that Air India has begun an extensive retrofit and modernisation drive aimed at improving cabin interiors, seating and inflight systems, Aujla expressed concern over the timeline.

The revamp of wide-body aircraft, he pointed out, is expected to continue until 2027-28. Until that process concludes, he argued, passengers remain exposed to avoidable inconvenience.

In his letter, he sought urgent inspection and auditing of aircraft deployed on long-distance sectors to Canada, Australia, the UK and the US, particularly those carrying substantial numbers of Indian-origin travellers.

He also pressed for time-bound refurbishment or replacement of ageing wide-body planes, installation of updated entertainment systems, improved seating and upholstery standards, and stronger ground-level assistance to address passenger complaints more effectively.

Describing the situation as “unacceptable,” Aujla said that travellers paying significant sums should not have to compromise on comfort or functionality. He urged the ministry to intervene swiftly so that international flyers, especially those from Punjab, receive services that match international expectations.