Air India Express Passengers Assert Traumatic Experience on Flight; Airline Issues Response (Dubai)
Air India Express Flight Mishaps Sparking Controversy, But Stranded Passengers Without Essentials Not Universally Reported
Passengers aboard Air India Express flights have raised concerns after enduring flight delays, leaving them stranded without air conditioning, food, or water, stoking outrage on social media platforms and rekindling discussions about passenger handling during flight holds.
Flight IX-196, initially set to take off from Dubai at 7.25pm on June 13, was delayed due to what the airline described as "ATC congestion following the closure of certain airspaces" [1]. Passengers allege they were kept trapped inside the aircraft for hours under harsh conditions.
Influencer Arzoo Sethi, a dietitian who recorded a viral video, described the scene onboard late at night, rendering passengers visibly distressed as they fanned themselves with safety cards and grappled with the heat within the cabin [2].
"I'm utterly shocked by this thoughtless behavior," she is heard saying in the video. "We've been repeatedly calling the crew, but no one responds. The AC isn't functioning. My three-year-old son is drenched in sweat. Not a single attendant has stepped in to aid us."
The flight eventually departed at 12.44am and landed safely in Jaipur at 2.44am on June 14.
Airline's Official Reply
In its official response, Air India Express claimed passengers were not detained onboard for five hours, stating that boarding commenced at 10.44pm and the aircraft was off-chocks (wheel clamps) at 12.09am, resulting in guests being onboard for approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes [1].
The airline also revealed that passengers had been alerted to the revised departure time well in advance via WhatsApp and email, permitting them to plan their arrival accordingly. Food and refreshments were provided during their stay at the terminal, it added [1].
Concerning cabin discomfort, the airline maintained that the air-conditioning system was working as intended. However, they acknowledged that the cooling effect may not seem optimal when aircraft doors remain open on the ground in hot climates like Dubai, "circumstances not uncommon during ground delays" [1].
The airline further explained that cabin crew adhered to standard protocol, securing the cabin for takeoff and addressing passenger requests once airborne.
"We regret the inconvenience caused due to factors beyond our control and gratefully acknowledge the understanding of our passengers," the airline stated [1].
Note: This report has been updated to include a comprehensive statement from the airline shared with Khaleej Times.
Additional Context
Recent reports suggest a pattern of disruptions with Air India Express flights, though the allegations about "stranded passengers without air-conditioning, food, or water" are not substantiated for every case [3].
In other Air India and Air India Express incidents, there have been complaints about confusing communication during delays and poor hotel arrangements after being deplaned. However, the reports do not conclusively confirm specific instances of passengers being stuck within the cabin under harsh conditions [2][3].
Reference(s):1. Air India Express denies passengers were stranded onboard flight without air-conditioning, food, or water. (2023, June 19). Khaleej Times. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/transport/air-india-express-denies-passengers-were-stranded-onboard-flight-without-air-conditioning-food-or-water2. Dubai-bound Air India flight hit by delay, passengers “feeling unsafe” deplaned. (2023, May 25). Khaleej Times. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/transport/dubai-bound-air-india-flight-hit-by-delay-passengers-feeling-unsafe-deplaned3. Istanbul-Kolkata: Passengers claim ten hours on tarmac at Istanbul airport. (2023, May 20). The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/travel/istanbul-turkey-passengers-claim-to-have-been-left-on-tarmac-for-10-hours-8794624/
- The delayed Air India Express Flight IX-196 incident has sparked discussions about the airline's handling of passengers, leading to debates in the aviation and travel industries, as well as the finance and news sectors.
- Meanwhile, the food industry has noticed an uptick in demand for travel-friendly and temperature-controlled meals, given the increasing concerns about food provision on long-haul flights.
- Consequently, lifestyle magazines and bloggers are discussing the impact of such flight mishaps on holiday plans and travel experiences, creating a growing trend of carefully selecting airlines based on their passenger service.
- Simultaneously, the transportation sector is witnessing a shift in passenger preferences towards more reliable airlines and transportation options that ensure comfort, amenities, and punctuality, especially regarding essential travel needs like air conditioning and refreshments.
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