Air India is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. In a shocking repeat of the infamous 2022 “Pee-Gate” incident, a male passenger on board Air India flight AI2336 from Delhi to Bangkok allegedly urinated on a fellow traveler seated next to him in business class.
The accused, identified as Tushar Masand, reportedly urinated on Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director of Bridgestone India, during the plane’s descent into Bangkok. Yoshizane was seated in 1D, while Masand was in 2D.
Cabin Crew Steps In Swiftly
According to internal reports, Air India’s cabin crew acted quickly. Senior flight attendants Sunpreet Singh and Rishika Matre assisted the affected passenger with towels and guided him to the lavatory to change clothes. The crew also moved Masand to economy class after another passenger, seated nearby, refused to sit next to him.
Masand apologized to Yoshizane, who reportedly declined to file a formal complaint upon landing in Bangkok, stating he didn’t want to waste time. However, the airline confirmed that the incident was officially recorded and referred to authorities.
Air India Issues Statement
In a statement, Air India acknowledged that an “unruly passenger” incident took place on April 9 and assured that standard operating procedures were followed. The airline also said it offered to help the affected passenger file a complaint with local authorities, which was declined.
An independent committee will now assess the matter and decide if further disciplinary action is needed.
DGCA Watching Closely
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has been informed. It will likely review Air India’s handling of the incident to ensure airline protocols on passenger conduct and safety were followed.
Echoes of the 2022 ‘Pee-Gate’
This latest controversy is uncomfortably similar to a November 2022 case, when a drunk passenger urinated on a 72-year-old woman during an Air India flight from New York to Delhi. That case led to public outrage, a temporary flying ban for the accused, and criticism of Air India’s delayed response.
Public Concern Over Passenger Safety
With two such incidents involving business class passengers within a short period, concerns are mounting over in-flight discipline, alcohol policies, and the need for stricter enforcement of aviation rules to protect travelers.
As India’s aviation sector grows, airline accountability and passenger behavior are coming under closer scrutiny.
