Hyderabad: A young mother was forced to stand for a significant part of an international flight while holding her three-month-old baby after water began leaking from the air-conditioning system onto their seats.

The Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-III has held Emirates responsible for deficiency in service and ordered compensation.

Mid-air ordeal for family

The incident occurred on January 1, 2025, when C. Ravishankar, a resident of Ameerpet, was travelling with his wife, daughter, and infant from Toronto to Dubai.

Shortly after takeoff, water started dripping from the overhead air-conditioning unit onto their assigned seats, soaking them completely and making them unusable.

No immediate relief from crew

Despite repeated complaints to the cabin crew, the family alleged that no effective alternative seating or assistance was provided. With limited options available, Ravishankar's wife had to remain standing for a considerable duration, carrying the infant, turning the journey into a physically exhausting and distressing experience.

Airline offer falls short

Following the incident, Ravishankar reached out to the airline via email. In response, Emirates offered 20,000 Skywards miles as compensation. However, finding the offer inadequate given the hardship faced, he approached the consumer commission seeking justice.

Commission terms it 'Deficiency in Service'

After examining the case, the commission ruled that the airline failed in its duty to ensure passenger comfort and safety. It noted that forcing a mother with a three-month-old baby to endure such inconvenience clearly amounted to a deficiency in service.

₹35,000 compensation ordered