For fans of Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, Neelam Kothari Soni is the epitome of grace and composure. However, a recent long-haul flight tested even her patience.
On December 9, 2025, the actress and jewelry designer took to social media to share a terrifying ordeal. While flying from Toronto to Mumbai, Neelam reportedly fainted mid-air. But the real shock didn’t come from the medical emergency—it came from the alleged apathy of the airline staff.
Neelam has publicly accused Etihad Airways of “mid-air neglect,” claiming that the crew failed to provide basic assistance or even check on her after she lost consciousness. Here is the full breakdown of the incident that has the internet rallying behind her.
The Incident: “I Was Left Fending for Myself”
Neelam described the experience as one of the worst travel moments of her life.
- The Route: She was traveling on a long-haul flight from Toronto to Mumbai (likely with a layover in Abu Dhabi, a common Etihad route).
- The Emergency: Somewhere during the journey, Neelam felt unwell and passed out.
- The Allegation: According to her post, when she regained consciousness, she expected medical aid or at least a check-in from the cabin crew. Instead, she claims she was met with silence.
- She wrote: “I fainted… received no help.”
- She described the treatment as “poor” and the lack of response as “shocking.”
For a passenger in a metal tube 35,000 feet in the air, the feeling of being ignored during a medical crisis is terrifying. Neelam emphasized that it wasn’t about luxury service, but basic human safety.
Dear @etihad, I am extremely disappointed with the treatment I received on my recent flight from Toronto to Mumbai. Not only was my flight delayed by over 9 hours, but I also fell seriously ill onboard, fainting after a meal. Despite a fellow passenger helping me back to my seat,…
— neelam kothari soni (@neelamkothari) December 8, 2025
Social Media Outrage & The Airline’s Response
Frustrated by the on-ground (or rather, in-air) silence, Neelam took her grievance to X (formerly Twitter). Her post immediately garnered attention, with fans questioning the airline’s safety protocols.
Etihad Airways Responds: Facing a PR crisis involving a high-profile celebrity, the official handle of Etihad Airways was quick to issue a standard apology.
- The Reply: They replied to her tweet, stating: “We are sorry to hear this, Neelam. Please DM us your booking reference so we can look into it.”
While the apology was prompt, netizens were unimpressed, calling it a “templated bot response” to a serious medical accusation.
Why This Matters: Airline Medical Protocols
Neelam’s experience highlights a growing concern regarding in-flight medical emergencies.
- Standard Protocol: Usually, if a passenger faints, crew are trained to administer oxygen, check vitals, and ask if there is a doctor on board.
- The Neglect: If Neelam’s claims are true, the failure of the crew to act could be a violation of standard aviation safety norms.
Conclusion: A Recovering Star
Neelam Kothari is back home in Mumbai now, but the trauma of the flight lingers. While she is known for her polite demeanor, her decision to call out a major international carrier proves that safety cannot be compromised—celebrity or not.
We hope Neelam is feeling better and that Etihad conducts a thorough investigation into the crew’s conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happened to Neelam Kothari on the flight? Neelam Kothari fainted while flying from Toronto to Mumbai. She accused the airline staff of ignoring her and providing no medical assistance during the emergency.
2. Which airline was Neelam Kothari flying with? She was flying with Etihad Airways.
3. Is Neelam Kothari okay now? Yes, she has landed safely in Mumbai and is active on social media, though she described the experience as distressing.
4. How did Etihad Airways react? The airline issued a public apology on X (Twitter) and asked her to share her flight details via Direct Message (DM) for an investigation.
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