Air India Faces Heat Over Bus Transfers in Delhi Rain as Journalist Flags Passenger Dignity

Air India responded that the availability of aerobridges and parking positions at the airport is controlled by airport authorities based on operational requirements. The airline said it would review the feedback concerning passenger experiences during adverse weather conditions.

The incident has also drawn attention to the continued use of remote parking stands at busy Indian airports. Aviation expert Ajay Awtaney said remote stands are common at congested airports as they help avoid operational delays.

Air India, this is not acceptable service.
On my recent Delhi-Mumbai journey, and again on the return, passengers were made to use buses instead of an aerobridge. The buses had little or no effective air-conditioning.
At Delhi, it was raining heavily, yet passengers had to walk… pic.twitter.com/uDLAacIpkN

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— Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) August 8, 2026

However, a 2018 government circular prioritizes the use of aerobridges for passenger comfort when they are available. The contrast between operational requirements and passenger convenience has placed renewed focus on how travellers are handled during difficult weather conditions.

With Sudhir Chaudhary’s photographs bringing the issue into public attention and Air India responding to the criticism, the episode has highlighted the importance of passenger comfort and dignity during airport transfers, particularly when weather conditions make movement between aircraft and terminals more difficult.