Over 100 New Delhi-bound passengers of an Air India flight have found themselves stranded in Phuket, Thailand, for more than 80 hours due to multiple delays and cancellations caused by technical faults. The incident, which has drawn significant attention on social media, has left travelers frustrated, with some sharing their experiences online.
The ordeal began on the night of November 16 when the flight, originally scheduled to depart for Delhi, was delayed by six hours. Passengers were informed that the delay was due to a technical issue. After waiting for hours at the airport, passengers were instructed to board the plane, only to be deboarded an hour later, as the flight was ultimately canceled.
Air India acknowledged the inconvenience, explaining that the flight was canceled due to the technical issue. A statement from the airline said, “We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers. The cancellation was due to a technical issue, and our team worked hard to minimize disruption. Passengers were provided with hotel accommodations, meals, and assistance in rebooking or refunding their tickets.”
Despite the airline’s assurances, passengers were not satisfied with the handling of the situation. After the cancellation, the airline prepared a replacement flight, which passengers were told was the same aircraft, now with the technical issue fixed. However, approximately two and a half hours into the flight, the plane was forced to return to Phuket due to the same technical fault, leaving passengers stranded once again.
Flight tracking data, captured by the FlightRadar app, confirmed the two-hour flight before the aircraft returned to Phuket. According to some passengers, they have received little to no communication from airline representatives, adding to their frustration. Social media posts from those affected described the lack of clear answers and support from the airline staff on the ground.
While the airline has stated that some passengers have been accommodated on alternative flights, others remain stuck in Phuket. An Air India source indicated that approximately 40 passengers were still in Phuket as of the latest update, with plans for their return scheduled for the evening.
Air India reassured passengers that safety and security remain the airline’s top priority, offering full refunds and complimentary rescheduling to affected travelers. However, for many, the extended delays and the repeated technical faults have raised serious concerns about the airline’s handling of the situation.
As passengers continue to await their journey home, the incident highlights the challenges faced by travelers during unexpected delays and the need for transparent communication and reliable customer service during such crises.
Sources By Agencies