New Delhi: Actor-comedian Vir Das has stirred controversy after posting — and later deleting — a tweet supporting Air India, just days after the tragic AI171 crash that killed 241 passengers in Ahmedabad.

In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Vir had written:

“I flew Air India home from London. It was all great. The crew, happy to report, still the kindest in the sky. @airindia.”

The tweet came under fire for what many perceived as insensitive timing, with one user calling it a “lame PR stunt” and others questioning why a celebrity would highlight positive experiences while the airline faces intense scrutiny.

Responding to the backlash, Vir later posted a clarification — now deleted comment : “I support the airline because I have very biased history with them. My grandfather worked for Air India. It is an airline with problems, I know. I have flown every circuit and every seat class through my career.”

He went on to say:

“As someone who is three world tours in and has flown every airline in every country — make no mistake… no crew will judge you less, welcome you more. And it’s a shame that no one acknowledges their loss too in a tragedy. That warrants my support.”

This isn’t the first time Vir has publicly defended Air India. In the immediate aftermath of the AI171 crash on June 12, he had written:

“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 know them to be the best crew in the sky.”

“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,” he had added.

The AI171 crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claimed 241 lives, including that of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex near BJ Medical College, raising serious questions about operational and technical safety at the airline.

While Vir Das’ intention may have been to show solidarity with the airline’s crew, the response on social media shows that public sentiment remains raw, and any attempt to defend the airline, no matter how personal, is being met with sharp criticism.