Lunchbox squabble causes Air India flight delay
Air India plans to ban pilots from bringing their own food into the cockpit after a skirmish over a lunchbox caused a delay to a flight.
An altercation took place after a pilot ordered a cabin crew member to clean the lunchbox after eating.
It is unclear whether the dispute turned physical but was serious enough for both to be hauled off the airplane.
They were then replaced causing a near-two hour delay to the Bengaluru-Kolkata flight.
"We have taken a serious note of this incident that happened on Monday. We will soon ask the pilots to not bring their own food on flights," a senior airline official said.
"I have been told that the captain wanted the cabin crew member to clean the tiffin after he finished his meal. Probably, this is what led to a fight between them. An investigation regarding this incident has already been started. Strict action will be taken," another airline source said.
Both employees have been ordered to attend a meeting at the airline HQ to explain their actions.
Air India chairman Ashwani Lohani reportedly said: "This nonsense has to stop and will stop."
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.
































Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026