We tend to spend an exorbitant amount on air travel only to save up some time and have a comfortable and swift journey. But airlines seems to have forgotten that time is money for their passengers and are often seen delaying the flight for petty issues, like in this case.
According to reports, an altercation between a captain and a cabin crew member led to over an hour delay of Air India flight bound to Kolkata.
The incident happened in full view of the passengers after the boarding was completed for the Bengaluru- Kolkata flight AI-772.
The incident blew up when one of the crew members denied adhering to the captain’s order to wash his lunchbox. The crew member’s denial resulted in a heated argument with the captain which was called off when another crew member’s intervened. As a result, the Bengaluru-Kolkata flight was delayed by 77 minutes.
A senior aviation official said to The Times Of India, “The pilot got food from home and asked the senior crew member to heat it. After finishing his meal, the pilot told this crew member to rinse the container. He objected to being asked to do so after which there was an altercation but perhaps no fist fight.”
A senior Air India cabin told India Today TV that such incidents are a common sight and captains often make the crew do other menial jobs too.
“Captains often push the cabin crew to do menial jobs. They ask the crew to make lassi, milkshake and mix and match meals. I have had many such experiences but I have always taken a stand and told the Captains a firm no.”
According to reports, the pilot and the crew have been de-rostered ((taken off flying duty) pending an inquiry. The flight reached Kolkata 2 hours late to its arrival timing after Air India got a replacement crew.
Bullying and such authoritarian behaviour at the workplace are simply unacceptable. Don’t you think?