Delayed, not denied, high demand: Air India responds after Vir Das slams airline for making injured wife walk down stepladder

NEW DELHI: Air India has responded to sharp criticism from comedian Vir Das, who recounted a distressing travel experience involving his wife—who is recovering from a foot fracture—during a flight from Mumbai to Delhi. The airline acknowledged the incident and said the wheelchair assistance was “delayed, not denied” due to unusually high demand.
“We have noted with concern a social media post by Mr Das about wheelchair not being provided to his co-passenger while travelling from Mumbai to Delhi on AI816 on 14 April 2025. We empathize with the guests, especially given the mobility concern involved, and recognize that this experience fell short of expectations,” the airline said in a statement.
Air India further clarified that the operating cabin crew had offered assistance, including the option of using an ambulift as per standard procedure, but the delay occurred because of a surge in wheelchair requests and limited staff availability. “Air India remains committed to improving the end-to-end travel experience for all its guests,” the statement added.
“We have noted with concern a social media post by Mr Das about wheelchair not being provided to his co-passenger while travelling from Mumbai to Delhi on AI816 on 14 April 2025. We empathise with the guests, especially given the mobility concern involved, and recognize that this experience fell short of expectations,” the airline said in a statement.
Das had taken to social media to share his frustration over the ordeal, highlighting not just the lack of wheelchair assistance but also the poor onboard conditions—despite paying Rs 50,000 per seat.


In a detailed post, Das wrote that he and his wife had pre-booked Air India’s Pranaam service and requested a wheelchair due to her injury. But the experience on board and on ground left them disappointed.

“Dear Air India, please reclaim your wheelchair. I’m a lifetime loyalist. I believe you’ve got the nicest cabin crew in the sky—this post pains me to write,” Das said. He went on to describe a flight filled with problems: a broken table, leg rests that didn’t work, and a seat that was stuck in a reclined position, making it uncomfortable for his wife.
However, it was after landing in Delhi that the situation worsened. According to Das, the aircraft used a stepladder to deplane passengers, and no one from the airline staff came forward to help his injured wife descend.
“I ask the air hostesses at the front of the plane to assist my wife while I carry four bags. Silence and a clueless look at each other,” he wrote. At the top of the ladder, he requested a male ground staffer for help. “He looks at me, shrugs, and ignores me,” Das said.
His wife was forced to make her way down the steps on her own. When they finally reached the terminal, Das said that although wheelchairs were available, no staff was present to assist due to the flight’s delay. He ended up pushing his wife in a wheelchair himself—from the arrival gate to baggage claim, and then out to the parking lot.
Encalm, the airport services provider, reportedly informed Air India about the issue, but according to Das, no one showed up.
“One of your wheelchairs is on the second floor of the parking in Delhi. Do claim it,” he concluded his post sarcastically.
The comedian, known for his global tours and Emmy-winning comedy, expressed disappointment that his loyalty to the airline over the years had not translated into basic assistance during a medical need.