Air India passenger urinates on fellow flyer mid-flight to Bangkok
Banned from flying for 30 days
DUBAI: A troubling incident unfolded aboard Air India flight AI 2336 from Delhi to Bangkok yesterday, when a business class passenger allegedly urinated on a fellow traveller mid-flight.
The accused, identified as Tushar Masand, 24, was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and relieved himself on a Japanese businessman seated nearby. The flight, operated by an Airbus A320, had departed shortly after 2 am and landed in Bangkok roughly four hours later.
According to NDTV, Masand, occupying seat 2D, had consumed two glasses of single malt whisky prior to the act. The incident occurred just before landing. The lavatories onboard were functional, suggesting the act was not prompted by necessity. Another passenger seated next to the victim also reported being affected by the incident.
Airline response
Air India released an official statement confirming an incident of "unruly passenger behaviour" without disclosing explicit details. The airline stated that the cabin crew followed all procedures mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Upon landing, the aggrieved passenger was offered assistance in filing a grievance with Bangkok authorities. However, the victim declined the offer.
The airline has banned the offender from flying on Air India for 30 days, pending further action by an independent committee. This internal panel will evaluate the matter and decide on any long-term sanctions. “The crew followed all laid-down procedures, and the matter has been reported to authorities,” said an Air India spokesperson.
This is not the first time Air India has faced such a scenario. In November 2024, a drunk male passenger allegedly urinated on an elderly woman in business class on an international Air India flight. In a separate incident in March 2023, Arya Vohra, an Indian student at a US university, faced a ban from American Airlines for a similar act onboard.
The notorious 2022 “pee-gate” case involving Shankar Mishra, who urinated on an elderly woman on an Air India flight from New York to Delhi, also led to widespread criticism. Mishra was later arrested, charged with sexual harassment and obscenity, and lost his corporate position as vice president at Wells Fargo India.
Following these incidents, Air India and other Indian carriers have reportedly tightened alcohol service policies, especially on international routes. Flight crews now receive additional training to handle passengers showing signs of intoxication.