Mumbai: Comedian Vir Das gave a shout-out to Air India amid intense backlash following the crash of its London-bound flight in Ahmedabad that claimed over 260 lives.
Acknowledging the hard work and dedicated service of the airline, Das said it is beyond one’s imagination what the Air India crew might be going through right now.
Extending his support to the airline, Das took to his Instagram handle on Thursday and wrote, “It’s a tragic day for so many families. And all our thoughts and prayers are with them. I just wanted to add my support for the crew. I’ve flown Air India all my life. It is not an airline without problems but without fail, I know them to be the best crew in the sky.”
He added, “Time will tell what happened on this tragic flight. I cannot imagine how hard it is for them to do their job right now having lost their own. For the crew, just to say one stands with you. And hopes to see you soon on a flight”.
Back in April, Das had expressed his frustration and publicly criticised Air India on social media for not getting any assistance with pre-booked wheelchair for his wife, who had a fractured foot.
Dear @airindia Please reclaim your wheelchair. I’m a lifetime loyalist. I believe you’ve got the nicest cabin crew in the sky, this post pains me to write. My wife and I book Pranaam and a wheelchair because she’s got a foot fracture that’s still healing. We’re flying to delhi.…
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) April 14, 2025
The comedian had also alleged that despite paying Rs 50,000 per seat for the Pranaam meet-and-greet services, they were given seats with broken tables, broken leg rests, and a seat that was stuck in reclined position.
On Thursday, Air India’s flight AI-171 crashed just 30 seconds after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, struck a hostel of BJ Medical College, located a couple of kilometres from the airport.
Only one person has survived the crash, with former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani being among the victims.