Union Minister Criticizes Air India Over Broken Seat Incident

Shivraj Singh Chouhan calls Air India's service unethical after being assigned a damaged seat on a flight, prompting an apology and investigation by the airline and DGCA.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was assigned a broken and sunken seat on Air India flight AI436 from Bhopal to Delhi.
Chouhan criticized the airline on social media, calling it unethical to charge full fare for defective seating and questioning Air India's management practices.
Air India staff reportedly knew the seat was damaged and had informed management, but the ticket was sold regardless, according to Chouhan's account.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sought a report from Air India, while Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured swift action and personally spoke to Chouhan.
Air India apologized publicly and stated it is investigating the issue to prevent similar occurrences in the future, as the airline continues its delayed aircraft retrofit program.