More than 100 passengers who were supposed to travel to New Delhi on an Air India flight are currently stranded in Phuket, Thailand, for over 80 hours, as the mishap was in the name of technical disturbances. Frantic travelers have been sharing their ordeal on social media after an emergency landing of Air India.
The flight was scheduled to take off on the night of November 16 for Delhi. However, passengers were first told that there was a six-hour technical delay. They waited for hours at the airport before they boarded the plane again only to be asked to deboard an hour later when the flight was canceled instead.
What do the authorities have to say?
Air India released a statement apologizing for the inconvenience, stating that indeed the flight was canceled due to technical issues. The airline also claimed to have assisted the passengers with accommodations at a hotel, meals, and additional reservation options on other flights. “Safety and security are our highest priorities,” said the airline, and that further explained how it gave passengers full refunds or non-chargeable rescheduling.
Passengers, including elderly people and children, claimed that the interruptions did not end despite the assurances. To them, another replacement flight was using the same aircraft, which had supposedly been serviced. However, after flying for about two-and-a-half hours, the flight turned back to Phuket because of recurrent technical malfunctions.
According to the flight tracking app FlightRadar, the plane made a two-hour journey before turning back. The passengers have complained of poor communication from Air India representatives, as none of them have been informed as to when they will be going home.
While some of the passengers on the alternative flights have already been rebooked, an airline source says nearly 40 people are still in Phuket. “They are expected to be sent back by this evening,” the source said.
Watch the video as 100 of passengers wait after Air India emergency landing in Phuket
The prolonged delay has left passengers frustrated, with many blaming the airline’s handling of the case. Social media platforms have been bombarded with complaints, emphasizing the lack of clarity and timely updates.
Air India continues to face scrutiny as it works to resolve the issue and ensure the safe return of all stranded travelers.
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