DGCA Calls Meeting with Air India
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has scheduled a meeting with Air India next Monday regarding a complaint from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan about an uncomfortable seat on his Bhopal-Delhi flight (AI 436) last Saturday.
Air India’s Response
Air India submitted its report to the regulator, stating that Chouhan’s seat was not broken and was reclining properly. However, the seat had a lean cushion design, which may have made it feel sunken. Airlines use lightweight seats to reduce aircraft weight and fuel consumption.
Passenger Comfort Concerns
The DGCA is expected to discuss passenger comfort with Air India, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a better flying experience. Reports indicate that while Chouhan’s seat was functional, 35 other seats on the Airbus A321 were affected by cushioning issues.
Chouhan’s Complaint
Chouhan shared his experience on social media platform X, stating:
“I had booked a ticket on AI 436 and was allotted seat 8C. The seat was broken and sunken in, making it uncomfortable to sit. Not just one, but many seats had similar issues.”
Evolving Air Travel Experience
With the rise of low-cost carriers, air travel in India has become more accessible but has also led to cost-cutting measures by airlines. The use of lightly cushioned seats is a common practice to maintain efficiency and reduce expenses.
DGCA’s Past Directives
The DGCA has previously instructed airlines not to sell unserviceable seats to passengers, reinforcing the need for proper seating arrangements and overall passenger comfort.
This upcoming DGCA-Air India meeting will likely focus on improving seating quality and addressing passenger concerns for a more comfortable flying experience.
