Yesterday, Jet Airway‘s breakfast platter was reminiscent of a nightmarish experience, when passenger, Birju Salla received chana masala, with an unexpected ingredient- a cooked cockroach.
To its business class fliers, including Salla, the flight served several dishes on its breakfast platter, which included- paratha, croissant, fruits, and finally the chana masala, which inclusive of a cockroach, led to Birju falling sick on the plane.
The impertinence did not stop there, as instead of providing proper medical support, the staff on the plane simply apologised and offered to replace his meal.
“I have never seen such an act of gross negligence from an airline crew. All they could offer was a replacement meal. Pathetic! said Salla
Salla (35), who was flying from Mumbai to Rajkot for a business trip yesterday, said that he had to eventually consult his doctor over the phone, who then prescribed him medicines. “My plans for the day went for a toss because of their negligence,” he said, as he was unable to work after reaching Rajkot, burdened with an immense stomachache.
Salla even sent an email to the authorities, describing the incident, and his distress caused by the experience. The complaint read: “I am a regular premier JP Platinum flyer. You just can’t imagine the state of my mind. I have been harassed by your so-called esteemed airline.” Adding, “Sometimes there are safety issues like your own crew forgets to lock the cart in gallery. I always try to ignore and assume we are humans and mistakes do happen but not this time.”
He also intends to raise the issue further, before the food and quality department.
The President of Air Passenger’s Association of India, Sudhakara Reddy, stated that “If the passenger has all proofs with him, he should write to the airline and if he finds that the airline is taking the matter casually, he can even approach Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).”
In regard to the matter, which is now swiftly gaining momentum, the “accountable” airlines- Jet Airways, released the following statement:
“We have noted the concerned guest’s experience with regard to meal service on board our flight. An apology was immediately tendered to the guest and an alternate meal was offered. The guest did not complain of uneasiness to the cabin crew. We have taken up the issue with the caterer for immediate investigation. At Jet Airways we have a stringent policy for meal preparation and segregation and we conduct regular audits. While this incident is extremely rare, Jet Airways sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to the guest.”