Air India's Dubai Flight: A Heated Mess

After Waiting Without Air Conditioning, Dubai-Kozhikode Flight Cancelled

On Friday, dozens of passengers found themselves in an unpleasant and exhausting situation on Air India Express flight IX 346 between Dubai and Kozhikode after being stuck on the stationary aircraft for more than four hours without functioning air conditioning - only to be informed that the flight was cancelled.

Boarding for the scheduled 9 AM flight began around 8:15 AM, but it soon became apparent that something was amiss. According to passenger accounts, they received no official information about the situation and were stranded in the sweltering cabin for hours. The air conditioning wasn't working; many tried to fan themselves with safety cards, while others adjusted the overhead vents to get some air.

The uncertainty lasted until noon. Finally, at 12:15 PM, it was announced that the flight was cancelled due to technical reasons, and passengers were escorted back to the terminal. An affected passenger reported that only then did arrangements for hotel accommodations begin, and the next flight was rescheduled for 3:40 AM the following day.

The unpleasant experience was frustrating not only due to the physical strain but also the complete lack of communication. Passengers said they felt abandoned and many had to cancel important work or family engagements.

Moreover, this was not the first issue with Air India Express flights recently. On the same day, the Thiruvananthapuram-Abu Dhabi flight was also delayed, and the day before, the Jaipur to Dubai flight was cancelled at the last minute, with passengers waiting for hours at the airport. Frequent service interruptions have been occurring on some routes, including the Dubai to Lucknow flights, since mid-June.

According to a company spokesperson, the current incident involved a technical fault detected before departure, and while the airplane's air conditioning system was operational, the ground unit was also utilized while maintenance staff addressed the fault. The system was periodically turned off during repairs, leading to the discomfort experienced. The spokesperson confirmed that the airline is providing an alternative aircraft, as well as accommodation, rebooking, and refunds for those affected.

This situation highlights the severe consequences of delays or flight cancellations without communication - especially when passengers have to wait under extreme conditions. The reliability of air travel and proper treatment of passengers remain crucial, particularly during the summer months when the heat presents significant challenges.

(Source of the article: Air India Express statement.)