New scandal hits Air India: Indian passenger allegedly urinates on Japanese traveller mid-flight

In a shocking and unbelievable incident, an Indian passenger allegedly urinates on a fellow Japanese traveller. Some three years after Air India was embroiled in the infamous "pee-gate" scandal wherein an intoxicated flyer urinated on a co-passenger during an international flight. This time, the embarrassment happened on board Air India flight AI2336 , operating from Delhi to Bangkok, where a passenger allegedly urinated on a fellow traveller — a senior Japanese executive.

As per sources familiar with the matter, the incident occurred during the aircraft's descent into Bangkok. The individual targeted in the incident has been identified as Hiroshi Yoshizane, the Managing Director of Bridgestone India, a leading multinational in the automotive sector. The accused passenger, seated in business class seat 2D, was identified as Tushar Masand. Yoshizane was seated directly in front of him in seat 1D, when the reported act took place.

Air India promptly reported the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as per standard procedure in such cases. An internal airline report, shared with media outlets, sheds light on the sequence of events. After visiting the lavatory, Masand allegedly urinated on Yoshizane, causing a commotion within the cabin. Masand then reportedly offered a direct apology to Yoshizane, who, despite being visibly upset, chose not to file a formal complaint. He reportedly told the cabin crew that he did not wish to waste further time upon landing in Bangkok.

Another business class passenger, identified only as Matthew, seated in 1F, raised strong objections following the incident. Citing safety and comfort concerns, he insisted that Masand be removed from the business class section. Responding to the escalating tension, the cabin crew relocated Masand to economy seat 14C and issued him a verbal warning.

The airline's swift response was in line with its updated passenger behavior protocols, instituted after the 2022 incident involving an inebriated flyer on a New York to Delhi flight. That earlier case had triggered national outrage and intense scrutiny of airline procedures surrounding unruly passengers.

Despite the serious nature of this latest occurrence, the lack of a formal complaint from the victim could limit the scope of punitive action. The DGCA, however, is expected to investigate the matter thoroughly, especially in light of Air India's prior record.


This repeat incident has reignited concerns about in-flight safety and passenger conduct, particularly in business and first-class cabins, where travelers expect the highest levels of comfort and professionalism. The airline, now owned by Tata Sons, has yet again found itself facing criticism over its ability to manage mid-air misconduct.

As social media and news outlets draw parallels to the previous "pee-gate" controversy, many are calling for stricter enforcement of no-tolerance policies and harsher penalties for passengers displaying disruptive or offensive behavior on flights. For Air India, the timing couldn't be worse as it attempts to rebuild its brand under new ownership — and reassure both domestic and international travelers that such incidents are rare and swiftly dealt with.