Actor Tillotama Shome took to social media platform X to express her frustration over a significant delay in her Air India flight to London Heathrow. The star of Delhi Crime condemned the airline for its lack of communication and accountability during the delay, which impacted numerous passengers, including one in urgent need of medical treatment.

In a series of tweets, Shome initially highlighted the situation, noting that Flight AI 129 was delayed from its original departure time of 5:15 AM to 10 AM without any notification to passengers. She stated, “No message, no calls from the airlines to notify passengers of the delay. Upon contacting AI, all they can say is sorry. Zero accountability and no solutions offered.”

As the delay persisted, Shome provided an update, revealing that the new departure time was pushed to 1:30 PM. She expressed her concerns regarding the airline's handling of the situation: “No information of delay was given. No calls, no messages. No hotel provided to sleep. No alternative flight options. Our luggage is checked in. Is this LEGAL? How are we being compensated?”

Shome also raised alarm about a fellow passenger who required urgent medical treatment in London. She tweeted, “A patient undergoing treatment has been sitting here since 2 AM for the 5:15 AM flight. She needs to get to London for treatment. We sincerely request you @airindia to NOT operate until you get your act together.”

In her concluding tweet, Shome reached out to both Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for clarification: “@DGCAIndia what is the way forward? How are we being compensated for this delay? Awaiting your response. Sincerely, A concerned and exhausted citizen.”

Air India's Response

Air India acknowledged her concerns, responding, “Dear Ms. Shome, we understand that flight disruptions can be frustrating. Rest assured, our colleagues at the airport are doing everything to minimize the inconvenience. For any real-time assistance, the passengers are requested to reach out to them.”

However, Shome quickly countered, noting the lack of real-time assistance. “Where are they for any real-time assistance? After check-in, now we are being informed that the flight is further delayed by 3.5 hours. That is a total delay of 8.5 hours,” she replied.

She further disputed Air India's claims, asserting, “NO. And it is not just me; many passengers have not received any communication. Your staff admitted saying, 'it takes time to call so many people. We called as many as we could.' This is not a house party time being changed; it's a flight. Stop deflecting. Take responsibility.”

As of now, there has been no additional response from Air India, but Shome's tweets have ignited a broader discussion about airline accountability and effective communication with passengers during extended delays.