Passengers on Air India flight AI180 from San Francisco to Mumbai via Kolkata discovered cockroaches on August 2, 2025, sparking immediate complaints and a formal airline investigation. The incident has renewed concerns about Air India’s hygiene standards and pest control, especially as the airline faces ongoing operational challenges.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The Boeing 777, recently acquired from Delta, left San Francisco at 8:28 pm local time. After about 16 hours in the air, the plane landed in Kolkata for a scheduled technical and fuel stop. It was during this stop that two passengers noticed small cockroaches near their seats. They quickly told the cabin crew, who responded by moving both passengers to different seats within the same cabin. Air India’s ground crew then performed a deep cleaning of the affected area during the layover. The cleaning was completed within the scheduled stop, and the flight continued to Mumbai, arriving on time.
Air India issued a public apology to the affected passengers and promised a full investigation. The airline said it would look into how the cockroaches got onto the plane and review its pest control procedures, especially during ground handling and catering.
Ongoing Investigation and Policy Review
As of August 5, 2025, Air India’s investigation is still underway. The airline is working to find out how the cockroaches entered the aircraft and is reviewing its pest control protocols. This includes checking cleaning and fumigation procedures, especially during layovers at busy airports like Kolkata. Air India has said it will increase oversight of pest control during ground operations and catering, which are common entry points for insects.
Despite the incident, the flight schedule was not affected. The aircraft landed in Mumbai on time, and no further disruptions were reported. The airline has not announced any compensation or further redress for the affected passengers, but both were reportedly comfortable after being relocated.
Recent Policy Changes and Operational Scrutiny
Air India says that regular fumigation and pest control are standard practice for its fleet. However, the airline admits that insects can still get onto planes during ground operations, especially when catering and cleaning are taking place. After this and previous incidents, Air India is reviewing its pest control protocols and increasing checks during layovers.
This event comes at a time when Air India is already under pressure to improve its operations. In June 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted an audit and found over 100 safety violations. Passengers have also complained about hygiene and maintenance issues on other flights.
Stakeholder Responses and Regulatory Oversight
An Air India spokesperson called the incident “unfortunate,” apologized to the passengers, and repeated the airline’s commitment to passenger safety and comfort. The DGCA has increased its scrutiny of Air India’s safety and hygiene practices, but as of August 5, 2025, no specific regulatory action has been announced in response to this incident.
Background and Previous Incidents
This is not the first time Air India has faced complaints about cockroaches or hygiene. In September 2024, a passenger found a cockroach in an in-flight meal on a Delhi-New York flight. The airline has also faced criticism for other hygiene and safety lapses, including food safety problems and technical faults.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has been under pressure to improve service quality after a series of disruptions. These include a deadly Dreamliner crash in June 2025 and several technical incidents. The airline has already announced temporary reductions in some international services through July 2025 to focus on operational stability, though these changes are not related to the cockroach incident.
Practical Implications for Passengers
The discovery of cockroaches on a long-haul flight has raised new questions about in-flight hygiene, especially on routes with long ground times and multiple catering cycles. Passengers want to know what rights they have if they encounter similar problems. Air India’s current policy is to relocate affected passengers and offer apologies, but no compensation has been announced for this incident.
Passengers concerned about hygiene or safety can contact Air India’s customer service through their official website or call the numbers listed there. For regulatory complaints, travelers can visit the DGCA’s official portal.
Expert and Media Analysis
Aviation experts say that pest infestations, while rare, can happen on long-haul flights because of the complexity of ground operations and catering logistics. They stress the need for strong pest control, especially for airlines that operate in many different countries. Media coverage of the incident has been widespread, both in India and internationally, highlighting the ongoing challenges for Air India’s reputation and passenger trust.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, incidents like this can affect how travelers view an airline’s commitment to safety and cleanliness. They also point out that airlines must balance quick turnarounds with thorough cleaning, especially on busy international routes.
Future Outlook and Pending Changes
Air India’s investigation into the cockroach incident is ongoing. The airline has promised to announce the results and any new preventive measures in the coming weeks. Depending on what the investigation finds, there could be more regulatory scrutiny or even mandatory policy changes if bigger problems are found.
For now, Air India says it will continue to review and improve its pest control and cleaning procedures. The airline has also said it will increase oversight during ground handling, especially at high-traffic airports.
What Passengers Can Do
- Report Issues: If you notice hygiene problems on a flight, tell the cabin crew right away. They can take immediate steps, such as relocating you or cleaning the area.
- Contact Customer Service: Use Air India’s official channels to file complaints or ask for help.
- Know Your Rights: While Air India currently offers apologies and seat changes, you can also contact the DGCA for regulatory support if you feel your concerns are not addressed.
Summary of Key Details
- Incident: Cockroaches found on Air India AI180 (San Francisco–Mumbai via Kolkata), August 2, 2025
- Immediate Response: Passenger relocation, deep cleaning in Kolkata, on-time arrival in Mumbai
- Current Status: Investigation ongoing, policy review in progress, no regulatory action announced as of August 5, 2025
- Broader Context: Part of ongoing scrutiny of Air India’s hygiene and safety standards
- Next Steps: Awaiting investigation outcome and any new preventive measures
For the latest updates, check Air India’s official newsroom or major news outlets. Passengers flying from San Francisco or other international hubs should stay informed about airline policies and report any concerns to help improve travel safety and comfort for everyone.
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