Mangaluru: An incident at Mangalore Airport (IXE) on March 28, 2024, turned a family’s eagerly awaited vacation into a distressing ordeal due to alleged mistreatment by Air India check-in staff. Zubair Sheikh Usman Saheb, a resident of Bismillah Manzil, Mohalla House, Pranthya Village, Moodbidri, detailed the upsetting experience in a letter to the Karnataka Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (KCDRC).
Zubair Saheb recounted how his family, including his wife and three minor children, arrived at the airport on time for their 7:55 AM Air India flight AI 680 to Dubai, which was subsequently rescheduled to 8:00 AM. Despite being punctual and following all check-in procedures, they were unexpectedly instructed by the Air India check-in staff to further wrap their already adequately packed bags.
After reluctantly following the staff’s instructions, they returned to the counter, only to be denied boarding passes due to what was claimed to be lateness. This was especially frustrating as their flight included a connection in Mumbai for an onward journey. As other passengers boarded without issue, Zubair’s family was left behind, bewildered by the refusal.
This experience was particularly traumatic for the children, who were left crying and confused by the unjust denial of boarding. Zubair emphasized the emotional distress and financial loss suffered by his family, which amounted to at least 63,537.00 INR.
Seeking redress, Zubair Saheb appealed to the Karnataka Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for a detailed investigation into the incident. He requested the use of all available evidence, including documentation and CCTV footage, to substantiate his claims and to hold Air India responsible for the alleged negligence and unprofessionalism of its staff.
In his call for justice, Zubair sought compensation of no less than 10 Lakhs INR and urged for measures to prevent such incidents in the future. He expressed confidence in the fairness and effectiveness of the legal process and pledged his full cooperation in seeking justice.
Zubair also noted a baffling inconsistency: on the same day, their luggage was not subjected to additional wrapping requirements when they boarded an Air India Express flight to Dubai from the same airport.
منگلورو ہوائی اڈے پر ایئر انڈیا چیک ان اسٹاف پر بد سلوکی کا الزام – کنزیومر فورم میں شکایت درج
