An Air India flight bound for San Francisco was forced to undergo emergency fumigation after horrified passengers discovered cockroaches scurrying through the cabin. The Boeing 777, which had departed from Mumbai, was delayed for hours as pest control teams worked to eliminate the unwelcome stowaways.
Passengers reported seeing multiple cockroaches crawling on seats, tray tables, and even inside overhead compartments. "It was disgusting," one traveller said. "They were everywhere—on the walls, near the food trays. I couldn’t believe an international airline had such poor hygiene standards."
The airline confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft was immediately taken out of service for deep cleaning. "We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers," an Air India spokesperson said. "Safety and cleanliness are our top priorities."
However, many passengers took to social media to express their frustration, with some demanding refunds and compensation. "This is unacceptable," tweeted one flyer. "How does a plane even get infested like this?"
This is not the first time Air India has faced criticism over hygiene. Earlier this year, another flight was delayed due to a rodent infestation, raising concerns about the airline’s maintenance protocols.
Experts suggest that such incidents could severely damage an airline’s reputation. "Passengers expect a clean and safe environment," said an aviation analyst. "Repeated lapses in hygiene can lead to a loss of customer trust."
The flight eventually departed after a five-hour delay, but for many passengers, the experience left a lasting impression—and not a good one.
