Air India's handling of the aftermath of the incident in Ahmedabad praised by cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle.
In a recent development, cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has praised Air India's transformation and onboard service quality, specifically during his four flights on the Mumbai-London route. Bhogle described the service as "exceptional" and noted visible improvements in Air India's overall flying experience [1][2].
Bhogle's endorsement comes at a crucial juncture, following a tragic June 2025 crash involving the carrier, which raised concerns about aircraft maintenance, pilot communication, and emergency response readiness. The crash of Air India Flight AI 171 on June 12 claimed over 240 lives [3].
Bhogle's praise has positively impacted public perception, providing a credible and influential voice signaling Air India's ongoing transformation after years of criticism. It highlights progress in service quality and encourages patience and support from passengers and the public as the airline addresses operational challenges [1][3].
However, Bhogle's comments have also sparked debate about consistency in passenger experience. While premium travelers and celebrities like Bhogle reportedly receive excellent service, many regular economy passengers continue to face issues such as delays, variable cleanliness, and inconsistent standards [3]. This disparity has led some to question whether the transformations Bhogle praises extend fully to all classes and routes.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson announced a phased restoration of international operations starting August 1, with full service expected to resume by October 1. The airline's revival plan, initiated after the Tata Group acquisition in early 2022, is being tested following the Ahmedabad crash [4].
In response to Bhogle's praise, Wilson assured passengers that their trust is valued and their journey is safeguarded by the entire Air India family. Wilson emphasized that the airline is committed to delivering a consistent and high-quality service experience for all passengers [1].
Bhogle clarified that his praise was not a sponsored endorsement. His call for patience underscores that while improvements are evident, continued efforts are needed to sustain and expand these gains for all travelers [1][3].
The post garnered attention due to Bhogle's praise arriving during a fragile moment in Air India's recent history, adding significance to his remarks about the airline's recovery efforts and operational improvements [2]. Public responses reflected a duality, with some expressing optimism about the airline's progress and others raising concerns about class disparity and consistency in services.
[1] "Harsha Bhogle Praises Air India's Service Quality" - The Hindu [2] "Harsha Bhogle's Praise Signals Air India's Turning Point" - The Economic Times [3] "Air India Faces Service Consistency Challenges Despite Bhogle's Praise" - The Times of India [4] "Air India Announces Phased Restoration of International Operations" - Business Standard
- Although Harsha Bhogle's praise for Air India's onboard service quality during his Mumbai-London flights has highlighted progress, concerns about consistency in passenger experience persist, especially in the economy class.
- The Air India CEO, Campbell Wilson, recently assured passengers that their trust is valued and that the airline is aiming to deliver a consistent and high-quality service experience for all passengers, addressing concerns about service inconsistency across different classes and routes.
