In a concerning incident that unfolded aboard an Akasa Air flight from Bengaluru to Pune, a 20-year-old student has accused an off-duty pilot of harassment. The incident, which occurred on October 1, has raised questions about the airline's response and passenger safety.According to reports by the Times of India, the student alleged that the off-duty pilot, who was wearing his airline ID card, first offered assistance with her luggage. However, the situation took a distressing turn when the pilot reportedly asked the young woman, through a flight attendant, to move to a seat near him. The pilot then allegedly offered her an alcoholic beverage that he was consuming.
Recalling her ordeal, the student shared her experience with TOI. She initially believed there might have been an issue with her check-in luggage when the pilot asked her to come to the back of the plane. However, she quickly realized that his intentions were far from innocent.
The student stated, "He started laughing and offered me something in a bottle, claiming it was an alcoholic beverage he was drinking. I refused and returned to my seat with difficulty as he was constantly trying to strike up a conversation with me."
Alarmed by the situation, the woman attempted to seek assistance from the flight attendant and the airline, but her pleas seemed to go unanswered. Subsequently, the student claimed that the airline did respond to her social media post, but no one from the airline reached out to her directly.
In response to the incident, Akasa Air reported that they conducted a detailed investigation but encountered difficulties in reaching the complainant. The case highlights the critical issue of passenger safety and the responsibility of airlines to address such allegations promptly and appropriately.
The incident underscores the importance of robust passenger protection measures and raises questions about how airlines can ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers. While further details and developments regarding this incident are awaited, it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability within the aviation industry to ensure passengers can travel without fear or distress.
