Overview

• 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.