Air India Faces Fresh ‘Pee-Gate’ Controversy as Passenger Urinates on Fellow Traveler During Delhi–Bangkok Flight
Air India Faces Fresh 'Pee-Gate' Controversy as Passenger Urinates on Fellow Traveler During Delhi–Bangkok Flight
Air India is once again under scrutiny following another disturbing in-flight urination incident, reminiscent of the infamous 2022 “Pee-Gate” controversy. On April 9, during flight AI2336 from Delhi to Bangkok, a male passenger allegedly urinated on a fellow traveller, a senior Japanese executive, triggering immediate response from the cabin crew and raising questions about in-flight safety and behaviour management.
According to reports, the incident occurred during the descent of the Tata Sons-owned aircraft. The accused, identified as Tushar Masand, was seated in business class seat 2D and allegedly urinated on Hiroshi Yoshizane, the Managing Director of Bridgestone India, who was seated in 1D.
Immediate Crew Response
Air India’s internal report, cited by multiple media outlets, indicates that the cabin crew promptly intervened. Senior flight attendants Sunpreet Singh and Rishika Matre provided towels and assisted Yoshizane in cleaning up, relocating Masand to avoid further disturbance. The captain was informed, and the affected passenger was escorted to the lavatory to change clothes.
Another business class passenger, Matthew, seated in 1F, reportedly demanded Masand’s removal from the cabin citing safety concerns. Masand later apologised to Yoshizane, who declined to file a formal complaint upon arrival, stating he did not wish to waste time.
Despite the lack of a formal complaint, Masand was verbally warned and moved to seat 14C after Matthew refused to sit near him.
Air India Confirms Incident
In an official statement, Air India confirmed that an incident involving an “unruly passenger” was reported on flight AI2336 on April 9. “The crew followed all laid-down procedures, and the matter has been reported to the authorities,” the airline said.
The airline also noted that it offered assistance to the affected passenger in filing a grievance with local authorities in Bangkok, which was declined. Air India added that its Independent Committee will assess the case to determine appropriate disciplinary action, if necessary.
A Troubling Déjà Vu: Pee-Gate 2022
This latest episode echoes a similar controversy from November 26, 2022, when a drunk passenger, Shankar Mishra, urinated on a 72-year-old woman in business class on a New York to Delhi Air India flight. The victim described the incident as “traumatic,” stating her belongings were soaked in urine and that the crew failed to handle the situation sensitively.
The fallout from the 2022 case included Mishra’s arrest, a temporary 30-day flying ban, and his termination from Wells Fargo, sparking public outrage over Air India’s delayed response.
DGCA Monitoring Developments
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified about the recent incident. Authorities are expected to review the airline’s handling of the case to ensure compliance with safety and passenger conduct protocols.
