Amritsar: Congress MP from Amritsar Gurjeet Singh Aujla has raised concerns over the condition of Air India’s long-haul services to major destinations including Vancouver, Toronto and Australia, saying passengers from Punjab and the wider Punjabi diaspora are being forced to pay high airfares while receiving poor onboard services.
In a post, Aujla said passengers travelling on long-distance international flights were reporting non-functional entertainment screens, broken seats, worn-out upholstery and poor cleanliness. He described the situation as unacceptable, particularly given the high fares being charged on these routes.
Aujla specifically urged Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu to intervene and ensure that Air India immediately upgrades its long-haul fleet and improves the overall passenger experience.
“Passengers on long-haul flights to Vancouver, Toronto & Australia are paying very high fares but travelling on aircraft with non-functional screens, broken seats, worn upholstery & poor cleanliness. This is unacceptable,” Aujla said.
The Amritsar MP also called for better ground support and modern facilities for international passengers, with particular attention to travellers from Punjab. He argued that the large Punjabi diaspora travelling between India and countries such as Canada and Australia deserves international-standard aviation services.
The issue is particularly significant for Punjab, which has a large overseas population and strong travel links with Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Thousands of families from the state depend on international air connectivity for work, education, business and family visits.
Aujla’s intervention also highlights the wider question of whether airlines operating high-demand international routes are providing services commensurate with the fares being charged. For passengers undertaking flights of 12 to 16 hours or longer, functioning seats, entertainment systems, cleanliness and reliable ground services are basic components of a satisfactory travel experience rather than luxury additions.
The MP’s demand comes as Air India continues the process of modernising its fleet and improving its international operations. The airline’s long-haul services are particularly important for the Punjabi diaspora because direct or convenient connections to Canada and Australia can significantly reduce travel time and inconvenience.
Aujla has therefore sought action from the Civil Aviation Ministry to ensure that passengers are not left paying premium international fares for aircraft and services that fall below expected standards.
“Our diaspora deserves world-class service,” Aujla said, putting the issue in the context of the millions of Indians living abroad who maintain strong economic, family and cultural links with India.
The demand now puts the spotlight on Air India and the Civil Aviation Ministry over whether the airline’s long-haul fleet, passenger facilities and ground-handling arrangements are keeping pace with the expectations of international travellers—and particularly with the needs of Punjab’s extensive overseas community.