Akasa Air Flight Hygiene Allegation Sparks Passenger Health Crisis After Bengaluru Departure

January 1, 2026 at 09:21 AM•3 min read

Akasa Air is reviewing a passenger's claim that unhygienic conditions on a Bengaluru-Ahmedabad flight caused a severe fungal infection, raising concerns about airline sanitation

Key Points

1Passenger Jahanvi Tripathi alleged unhygienic conditions on a December 26 Akasa Air flight caused a severe fungal infection.
2The passenger reported being unable to walk or sleep properly and is undergoing medical treatment for the condition.
3Akasa Air confirmed it is reviewing the complaint and is in contact with the customer, emphasizing its commitment to high hygiene standards.
4The incident highlights the importance of strict DGCA and IATA-recommended airline cabin cleanliness protocols for passenger health safety.

A routine late-night flight turned into a health ordeal for one passenger. A Bengaluru-based traveler has alleged poor onboard hygiene on an Akasa Air service. The passenger claims this led to a severe fungal infection. This incident raises serious questions about airline cabin cleanliness standards.

Passenger Allegation and Distress

The passenger, Jahanvi Tripathi, detailed her experience on LinkedIn. She was traveling with friends on a December 26 flight. The route was from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. Tripathi claimed the aircraft seats were in an "extremely concerning and unacceptable" condition. She stated the issue caused discomfort during the flight. More seriously, it led to physical distress afterward.

Tripathi alleged that she developed a severe fungal infection on her legs shortly after the journey. The condition progressively worsened. She reported being unable to walk properly, sleep comfortably, or carry out daily activities. Her friends reportedly experienced similar, though less severe, discomfort. This suggested a shared negative experience. The passenger is currently undergoing medical treatment.

She urged the airline to investigate the matter. The post also asked for corrective steps to prevent similar incidents. This highlights the importance of passenger health safety in air travel.

Akasa Air Response and Industry Standards

Akasa Air responded to the Akasa Air hygiene complaint. The airline stated it sincerely regretted the passenger's experience. An airline spokesperson stressed that the incident did not reflect their standards. They also emphasized a commitment to maintaining the highest levels of hygiene. The airline confirmed they are reviewing the feedback immediately. They plan to reach out to the customer at the earliest.

This incident brings scrutiny to Akasa Air sanitation practices. It also impacts the wider industry. Aviation regulators like India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandate strict cleaning protocols. For instance, DGCA guidelines have required deep-cleaning and disinfection of all aircraft at least once every 24 hours. This includes disinfecting lavatories and galleys during transit halts.

International bodies also provide guidance. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) issues guidelines for cabin operations. These cover cleaning, sanitization, and the use of Universal Precaution Kits (UPK). Such kits help manage ill health episodes and contact with body fluids. Maintaining these airline hygiene standards is crucial for public confidence. This is a key focus for all carriers, including major players like IndiGo, as reported in commercial aviation news.

Passenger Confidence Risk: Allegations of a fungal infection flight can severely damage passenger trust.
Regulatory Scrutiny: The DGCA may increase checks on cabin maintenance procedures following such a public complaint.
Operational Impact: Airlines must ensure cleaning schedules do not compromise turnaround times while maintaining strict health protocols.