Overview

• Two passengers on flight AI180 from San Francisco to Mumbai via Kolkata reported spotting small cockroaches mid-flight and were relocated to alternate seats.
• Ground crew carried out a thorough deep cleaning during the scheduled fuel stop in Kolkata before the aircraft departed on time for Mumbai.
• Air India issued a formal apology and initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the source of the infestation and implement preventive measures.
• The carrier emphasized its routine fumigation practices but acknowledged that insects can infiltrate aircraft during ground handling.
• The incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of Air India’s hygiene standards and operational reliability under Tata Group ownership.