Cockroaches Force Air India Flight Diversion: Passengers Relocated
An Air India flight, AI180, operating the San Francisco-Mumbai route with a scheduled stop in Kolkata, was forced to undergo unscheduled maintenance on August 4, 2025. The reason? A significant cockroach infestation onboard.
Passengers reported the presence of multiple cockroaches during the flight, leading to considerable discomfort and concern. Upon landing in Kolkata, all passengers were swiftly relocated to another aircraft to continue their journey to Mumbai.
The affected aircraft underwent a thorough deep cleaning and fumigation process in Kolkata before being cleared for further operation. Air India has launched a full investigation into the source of the infestation.
The airline has issued a formal apology to all affected passengers for the inconvenience caused. They have also assured the public that they are taking stringent preventative measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. This incident highlights the crucial need for robust hygiene protocols within the aviation industry to maintain passenger safety and comfort. The investigation’s findings will be closely monitored to see what improvements are implemented across the Air India fleet.
