Dubai: An Air India female cabin crew was assaulted by an intruder in her London hotel room earlier this week, according to reports in the Indian media.
The incident occurred at the Radisson Hotel London Heathrow, shortly after midnight. The flight attendant, who was resting after her duty, was attacked around 1:30am by the intruder. Startled by the attack, she screamed for help, which alerted her colleagues in nearby rooms. They rushed to her aid, causing the assailant to flee, but he was eventually apprehended.
The victim, who sustained bruises during the assault, was taken to a hospital for treatment. She has since returned to India, where she is receiving counseling, according to an official statement.
Airline confirmed
Air India has confirmed the incident and said that a complaint has been filed with the local police, who are investigating the matter.
In a statement on X, the airline also assured that the air hostess was receiving psychological support and emphasised that they were fully standing by her during this difficult time.
“We are providing all possible support to our colleague and their broader team, including professional counseling. We are deeply anguished by an unlawful incident of intrusion at a hotel, operated by a major international chain, that affected one of our crew members. Air India is also working with the local police to pursue the matter to the fullest extent of the law and with the hotel management to ensure such incidents are not repeated. We request that the privacy of those involved be respected,” an Air India spokesperson said.
The airline further said that it is taking the incident that happened earlier this week very seriously and is committed to seeking justice for the air hostess.
The airline has also emphasised the importance of respecting her safety, privacy, and well-being during this time.
Screams alert staff
“Air India accords foremost priority to the safety, security, and wellbeing of our crew and staff members. We are deeply anguished by an unlawful incident of intrusion at a hotel, operated by a major international chain, that affected one of our crew members,” the statement read.
She was later admitted to a hospital in London due to the severity of her injuries.
According to reports, the attack on the Air India air hostess occurred after midnight while all the crew members were asleep.
The intruder, whose identity remains unknown, allegedly entered one of the air hostess rooms and attacked her with a clothes hangar and dragged her on the floor as she ran towards the door.
Her screams alerted the hotel staff, and their timely intervention brought the situation under control.
The officials said that an investigation into the matter is underway and the air hostess has since been brought back to India.