Indian airline creates 'women only' section on planes to prevent abuse of solo female passengers
- Air India is reserving six seats on each of its planes for solo female travellers
- It will also keep plastic handcuffs on all flights to restrain rowdy passengers
- The decision has been met with mixed reactions from Air India customers
Air India has announced plans to reserve six seats in each aeroplane for female passengers.
The state-run airline revealed the move was an attempt to preserve the safety of women travelling alone.
All of the seats in row three on Air India planes will now only be allocated to women.
Air India has announced plans to reserve six seats in each aeroplane for female passengers
The airline will also keep plastic handcuffs on all flights to restrain passengers who get 'totally out of control.'
The move comes after a recent incident where a female passenger was groped by a male passenger while asleep on one of their planes.
Meenakshi Malik of Air India said: 'We will be reserving the third row—six seats—in the economy class of the aircraft for female passengers travelling alone.
'We feel, as national carriers, it is our responsibility to enhance comfort level to female passengers.'
All of the seats in row three on Air India planes will now only be allocated to women and a pair of plastic handcuffs will be kept on all flights to restrain rowdy passengers
The move, which is thought to be a first in the aviation industry, has received mixed reactions from customers though.
While some have applauded the decision, others have said that it is a token gesture.
While one Twitter user called @PoonamJayant said it was a welcome step that should also be extended to private airlines, others were less impressed.
One user called @annabelle_bzhp said: 'Reserving seats for women is a patronising, sexist move by Air India.'
Another called @ReachDanish said: 'Seat reservation for women? Thank you Air India for "fortifying" the gender stereotypes. Air India [has] gone cuckoo.'
MailOnline has contacted Air India for further comment.
Most watched News videos
- Shocking moment huge alligator walks near group of tourists
- Huge 4m crocodile slithers down the rapids in Northern Territory
- 'You had to go that low?' Interracial couple confronted by racist
- SBS explores diversity in experimental dating series Undressed
- Bike crashes into back of car after car drivers reckless antics
- Mariah Carey sings during billionaire's granddaughter wedding
- Pakistani singer stops concert to save a girl from harassment
- It's a drop off!: Tow truck driver knocks SUV off high cliff
- Kitesurfer unaware of great white shark swimming below
- Giant alligator strolls casually across Florida golf course
- Gloria Williams waves extradition for kidnapping Kamiyah Mobley
- Father left bloodied after dads of teenage footballers fight
- How many have YOU visited? The seven Instagram wonders of...
- Garish carriages and hot-pant uniforms: Fascinating photos...
- We just want rich tourists! Pacific island nation of Palau...
- From a milkman on skis to sledding nuns: Stunning vintage...
- Look before you leap: Google Street View launches first...
- Closed for winter: Ethereal photos capture famous landmarks...
- The fantasy castle in Kate and Wills' Alpine playground: Why...
- Indian airline creates 'women only' section on planes to...
- Why DO you have to put your seat-back up for landing and are...
- Now that’s paw-some! The world’s first bus tour for DOGS...
- The never-ending honeymoon: Newlyweds spend SEVEN months...
- Tarzan would be green with envy! Britain's most luxurious...