DELHI- In the past few days, Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has canceled several flights and diverted many due to multiple reasons.
This goes from around 100 passengers stranded in Phuket (HKT) for days due to technical issues, to Jaipur flight diversion due to foggy conditions in Delhi (DEL).
Air India Passengers Stranded in Phuket
Over 100 passengers on an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi have been stranded for more than 80 hours since November 16, following repeated delays and cancellations caused by technical issues.
The ordeal began when flight AI377, scheduled to depart at 5:50 PM, faced initial delays and was eventually canceled, leaving passengers without clear communication or alternate travel arrangements.
Frustrated passengers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their experiences. One user highlighted the distress caused, posting,
There are more than 100 passengers stuck in Phuket, Thailand, as a result of the sheer incompetence of @airindia. There are toddlers and people missing serious appointments. Details – AI 377 scheduled departure on 16 Nov 24. Delayed then canceled.”
Some passengers claimed they missed connecting trains, cabs, and crucial appointments due to the prolonged delays. A few alleged that they were initially boarded onto a malfunctioning aircraft but later asked to deboard before the flight was canceled. Concerns were raised about safety, with one passenger writing,
The flight was not fit to fly. How can an airline allow risking 150-plus passengers’ lives? These are the words from the pilot—not fit to fly. Yet it took off risking lives. Who would have taken responsibility?”
Adding to their grievances, passengers reported that Air India had not refunded their ticket money, arranged alternative travel, or provided clear communication over the three-day delay. One passenger posted,
You are the sickest airline with the most insensitive management. It’s been 3 days, and we’ve been stranded and harassed at Phuket airport by your AI 377 team—and you’ve not made a single effort to communicate with us. What a shame!”
Another criticized the airline’s management for attempting to operate a faulty aircraft, which reportedly ended in an emergency landing.
Your decision to take the risk to fly the broken aircraft, ending up in an emergency landing yesterday at Phuket, shows how incapable you are of managing a high-risk business like an airline. @airindia management should step down if they have even a little shame.”
Air India responded to some complaints on X, apologizing for the disruption. One reply stated,
Hi, we understand your disappointment and sincerely apologize for the disruption caused. Various factors can impact our flight schedule. However, your feedback will be shared internally for review. We hope for your kind understanding on the matter.”
Air India Reply on X post
Paris to Delhi Flight Diverted to Jaipur
A Paris-New Delhi Air India flight, AI2022 operated by Vistara 787-9 was diverted to Jaipur on Monday (November 17, 2024) due to heavy smog in Delhi and the pilots’ inability to perform low-visibility landings.
The diversion caused chaos as passengers were stranded for hours and eventually transported to Delhi by road, sparking widespread frustration.
The flight, which departed Paris at 10 PM on Sunday, was scheduled to land in Delhi at 10:35 AM on Monday.
After the diversion, the pilots refused to continue the journey, citing the completion of their duty hours under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules. These regulations require sufficient rest for flight crews to ensure safety and prevent fatigue-related risks.
Stranded passengers expressed anger at the airline’s handling of the situation. Many demanded an alternative flight and criticized the airline for keeping them on the aircraft for hours before providing a solution. Vishal P, a passenger’s relative, posted on X,
Shameful and pathetic management from @airindia today as flight #AI2022 from CDG-DEL diverted to JAI. Pax stranded at JAI asked to spend 5 hrs inside the aircraft and then to take a bus from JAI to DEL. My wife and two-month-old [child] is suffering and I am helpless.”
Air India did not issue an official statement, but sources claimed arranging an alternative flight would have taken longer than transporting the passengers by bus. Amid mounting protests, passengers were eventually sent to Delhi by road.
The aircraft departed for Delhi the following day after conditions improved.
Other Jaipur Diversions
In another rare event, an Air India Boeing 777, arriving from Washington, D.C., was also diverted to Jaipur due to heavy fog in Delhi.
Aviation A2Z associated planespotter Harsh Tekriwal reported this uncommon occurrence, noting that Air India 777s typically divert to Amritsar (ATQ). However, dense fog in Amritsar likely necessitated Jaipur as the alternate destination.
Before 2020, Jaipur was a hub for Air India’s Hajj operations, frequently seeing Boeing 747s and 777s.
This is not the first time, many such instances have led to strong criticism against the airline. Delays and Diversions are common but when they occur frequently, the airline faces critical resistance from passengers.
Feature Image by Harsh Tekriwal | AvgeekwithLens
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