Air India confirms that a blade-like metal was found in the meal of a passenger on a flight from Bengaluru to San Francisco

Air India flight. | Photo source: Photo for illustration purposes only

A passenger on board an Air India flight from Bengaluru to San Francisco (USA) recently had an unpleasant experience after he found a metal blade in the chaat bowl of the in-flight meal he was served.

Mathures Paul, a journalist who was on board AI 175 from Bengaluru to San Francisco on June 9, shared his experience with This Hindu June 17.

The meal served to an Air India passenger who on June 9, 2024, complained that he found a piece of metal resembling a blade in his food while traveling from Bengaluru to San Francisco on board AI 175. | Photo credit: Special Arrangement

“On June 9, I flew on Air India (AI 175) at 1.50 pm from Bengaluru to San Francisco (seat no. 7C). The first half of the flight was uneventful. For lunch (main course), I was served a lot of dishes on a tray. I decided to start with the fig confusion I had while watching the movie Priscilla (onboard entertainment). After a few spoonfuls of chaat, I felt something strenuous and metallic in my mouth. I spat it out into the bowl. It was a blade,” Mr. Paul said.

“Of course I complained to the stewardess, who spoke for four or five seconds. The conversation went something like this: We apologize for this and will inform the catering team. She came back with a bowl of chickpea salad,” he added.

The meal served to an Air India passenger who on June 9, 2024, complained that he found a piece of metal resembling a blade in his food while traveling from Bengaluru to San Francisco on board AI 175. | Photo credit: Special Arrangement

After landing in San Francisco, Paul posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the incident. There was no response from Air India (except for the Air India bot on the X platform).

Two or three days later, someone from the airline’s customer service/social media team called and said the matter would be investigated.

“I received a mail from Air India Care on June 15 (8:30 p.m.). It read: “We value our relationship and ask you to accept our good offer of a one-way business class ticket on any Al flight, redeemable within one year of issuance. We look forward to your response and ask that you review this incident separately so that we can provide you with a better experience on your next trip with us.”

Mr. Paul replied: “It is a bribe and does not address the issue. I do not accept such freebies and I will not accept the ticket.”

Air India confirmed Mr Paul’s experience.

Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Officer, Air India, said, “Air India confirms that a foreign object was found in a guest’s meal on board one of our flights. Following investigation, it was identified as originating from a vegetable processing machine used at our catering partner’s facilities. We have worked with our catering partner to strengthen measures to prevent such recurrences, including checking the processor more frequently, especially after chopping tough vegetables. Air India has made contact with the affected customer and deeply apologizes for the experience.”