Vir Das Slams Air India Over Shocking Wheelchair Negligence
Emmy-winning comedian and actor Vir Das publicly criticized Air India for a disappointing travel experience that left his injured wife struggling down a stepladder — with no wheelchair support, despite pre-booking assistance.
The couple was flying from Mumbai to Delhi on flight AI816, having paid ₹50,000 per seat. Das described multiple issues on board, including a broken tray table, faulty leg rests, and a reclined seat that couldn’t be adjusted — all on what he claims was a “newly refurbished” aircraft.
The major setback came post-landing in Delhi, when the promised wheelchair never arrived. Despite booking Pranaam meet-and-greet services and special assistance for his wife’s fractured foot, Das said they were met with “silence and clueless stares” from the cabin crew.
He asked ground staff at the aircraft’s exit for help. Instead of receiving assistance, he was shrugged off. “She climbed down the ladder with a broken foot,” Das wrote on X. At the terminal, the Encalm team reminded wheelchair staff of the pre-booking, but the staffer appeared “clueless.” Eventually, Das wheeled his wife out of the terminal himself, grabbing an unattended wheelchair.
“Please pick up your wheelchair from the parking lot,” Das concluded sarcastically.
While Das emphasized his respect for Air India’s cabin crew, he stated the situation demanded accountability and better service. As of now, Air India has not issued a statement in response.
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