Amid Airlines Controversies, Neelam Kothari Faints Post-Meal After a 9-Hour Flight Delay

Indian airlines have been under scrutiny lately, with passengers frequently sharing stories about delays, mismanagement, and poor onboard experiences. Videos of long queues, arguments at gates, and uncomfortable travel conditions have been all over social media. In the middle of this ongoing conversation, actor and reality-show personality Neelam Kothari opened up about her own experience. 

The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives star revealed that she fainted on a flight after being served a meal, following a nine-hour delay. Her story has added fresh fuel to the discussion around travel fatigue and passenger safety during long delays. 

What Reportedly Happened with Neelam Kothari

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

On her way from Toronto to Mumbai, Neelam Kothari says her flight was delayed by around nine hours, and she then fainted shortly after eating her in-flight meal. Sharing her experience in a post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote that her flight with Etihad Airways was delayed for more than nine hours before departure. By the time she finally boarded, she was exhausted and hungry. According to her, things took a serious turn shortly after she was served her meal on board.

She said she “fell seriously ill” mid-air and fainted after eating, and had to be helped back to her seat by a fellow passenger. Neelam described herself as “extremely disappointed” with the way the situation was handled, accusing the airline of “mid-air neglect.” She alleged that after she fainted, there was no proper follow-up, no thorough medical check, and no real monitoring from the crew for the rest of the flight.

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How Long Delays and In-Flight Conditions Affect Your Body

A travel day like Neelam’s is physically and mentally draining. Hours of waiting, limited access to proper meals, and disturbed sleep all wear the body down. Once on board:

• The cabin air is dry, which can worsen dehydration.
• Sitting for long periods can slow circulation and make you feel light-headed when you finally stand.
• Eating a full meal when you are overtired and under-hydrated can suddenly strain your circulation and digestion.

If you then stand up quickly, feel anxious, or are in a warm, crowded cabin, these factors combine and can cause dizziness, nausea, or a brief loss of consciousness.

What Travellers Can Do During Long Delays

Of course, not everything is in the airline’s control. Passengers can take small steps to protect themselves during long waiting hours.

Helpful habits include:

• Carrying easy snacks like dry fruits, crackers, or bananas
• Drinking water regularly, even when you don’t feel thirsty
• Avoiding heavy, oily foods until you have rested
• Taking short walks to keep circulation steady
• Not ignoring early symptoms like dizziness or nausea

A little preparation can go a long way during uncertain travel delays.

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Conclusion

Neelam Kothari’s fainting episode is more than a viral story. It’s a reminder that long airline delays aren’t just inconvenient; they can affect health in real and unpredictable ways. Her post has brought renewed attention to the need for better passenger care and communication. And for travellers, it’s also a nudge to listen to the body, stay hydrated, and stay prepared for long waits.