Cockroaches found on Air India’s San Francisco-Mumbai flight; airline calls incident 'unfortunate'

Air India on Monday revealed that two passengers on board its San Francisco-Mumbai flight were relocated after being disturbed by the presence of cockroaches in the cabin—a development the airline termed “unfortunate.”

The incident occurred on flight AI180, which operates via Kolkata.

“On flight AI180 from San Francisco to Mumbai via Kolkata, two passengers were unfortunately bothered by the presence of a few small cockroaches on board,” an Air India spokesperson said in a statement.


The cabin crew immediately shifted the affected passengers to alternative seats in the same cabin, where they remained “comfortable thereafter,” the airline said.

During the scheduled fuel stop in Kolkata, a deep cleaning of the aircraft was carried out by ground staff before the flight continued onward to Mumbai.

“During the flight's scheduled fuel stop in Kolkata, our ground crew promptly conducted a deep cleaning process to address the issue. The same aircraft subsequently departed in time for Mumbai,” the spokesperson added.

Air India reiterated that regular fumigation is carried out. However, it acknowledged the occasional risk of insect entry during ground handling.

“Despite our regular fumigation efforts, insects can sometimes enter an aircraft during ground operations,” the airline said.

Air India will be undertaking a comprehensive investigation to determine the source and the cause of this incident and implement measures to prevent recurrence, the airline stated further.

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to the passengers," Air India noted.