'Fed Up With Air India': EAC-PM Chairman Bibek Debroy Complains After Flight Delay

Bibek Debroy, chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, expressed his displeasure with Air India after the flight AI 687 from Mumbai to Delhi was delayed in a series of tweets.

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Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) chairman Bibek Debroy on Friday took to Twitter to protest about services of Tata-owned Air India, alleging that the airline was "better before privatisation".

He expressed his displeasure with Air India in a series of tweets after the flight AI 687 from Mumbai to Delhi was delayed.

In response to one of the tweets, Air India stated that the flight is being delayed owing to operational reasons.

"Fed up with Air India. Booked on AI 687 to Delhi. Scheduled time of departure 16.35. ETD keeps changing. Now 19.00. No information even now. It was better before privatisation. Pramod Dalvi, who seems to be head the counter, prevaricating for last 3 hours, " he tweeted.

Fed up with Air India. Booked on AI 687 to Delhi. Scheduled time of departure 16.35. ETD keeps changing. Now 19.00. No information even now. It was better before privatisation. Pramod Dalvi, who seems to be head the counter, prevaricating for last 3 hours. @airindiain

— Bibek Debroy (@bibekdebroy) February 17, 2023

Furthermore, Debroy stated that if given the option, he will never fly Air India in the near future.

"This is much worse than pre-privatisation days. No one seems to be responsible. STD changing ever 15 minutes. Staff at counter continuously changing statements. @airindiain, "he stated.

Debroy also stated that ordering more planes does not automatically increase service.

"Mumbai-Delhi AI 687 Has been hell, not heaven. For four hours at the gate, More delays at this rate, Customer service with a dose of leaven. @airindiain," he added further.

In response to Debroy, Air India stated in a tweet that the flight has been delayed owing to operational reasons and will depart at 2000 hours. "Please be assured, our team is trying its best to assist all passengers".

Debroy, on the other hand, responded that the team is not supporting any passengers.

"Do you want me to tweet a video of angry passengers? If they want to assist, I suggest tea/coffee to passengers waiting for 4 hours now. And true information," he said in another tweet.

The team is not assisting any passengers. Do you want me to tweet a video of angry passengers? If they want to assist, I suggest tea/coffee to passengers waiting for 4 hours now. And true information.

— Bibek Debroy (@bibekdebroy) February 17, 2023

Air India, which was acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022, placed an order for 470 aircraft earlier this week, with an option to purchase an additional 370 aircraft.