Passengers aboard an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Pune experienced a harrowing three-hour delay on Tuesday morning due to a technical issue that affected the aircraft’s air-conditioning system. The malfunctioning AC led to extremely uncomfortable and hot cabin conditions, with some passengers describing it as a “heat chamber.”
Technical Glitch Causes Extensive Delay
Flight IX-1230, scheduled to depart from Delhi at 4:40 am and arrive in Pune at 6:55 am, was significantly delayed. Passengers reported being on board from approximately 4:20 am, with the flight finally departing around 7:45 am. During this extended period, the air-conditioning system reportedly kept switching on and off, creating a stifling environment.
According to reports, passengers were informed of a technical issue after boarding. The delay extended for several hours, with updates from the airline staff being infrequent or unclear. Some passengers expressed frustration on social media, highlighting the lack of clear communication regarding the nature of the problem and the expected resolution timeline.
One passenger shared on X that after waiting in the stuffy cabin for over an hour, the announcement was made about a technical problem, leading to the aircraft returning to the bay. Concerns were raised about whether the issue could be fixed or if a replacement aircraft would be provided.
Airline Acknowledges Issue, Offers Apology
Air India Express acknowledged the technical issue in a statement. A spokesperson for the airline stated, “A technical issue was identified on one of our aircraft after boarding in Delhi. Our engineering team addressed it promptly, with additional ground air-conditioning provided throughout. The aircraft has since departed, and refreshments were served onboard. We regret the inconvenience.”
Despite the airline’s assurance of prompt action and the provision of ground air-conditioning, passengers reported ongoing discomfort. Some questioned why passengers were not deplaned during the extended delay.
The incident has drawn criticism from passengers, with many taking to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the service, communication, and the overall experience. Similar incidents involving Air India Express have been reported previously, raising concerns about recurring service lapses.
The delay also caused a ripple effect, with passengers potentially missing onward connections or facing disruptions to their travel plans. The flight eventually departed, but the prolonged ordeal left many passengers exhausted and frustrated.
The Chenab Times News Desk