Passengers asked to deboard Air India flight after sitting for 2 hours as AC malfunctioned
In an incident that left dozens of passengers frustrated, an Air India flight was forced to deboard its passengers after they remained seated inside the aircraft for nearly two hours due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system. The delay not only caused discomfort but also sparked discussions about passenger safety and airline preparedness in such situations.
Passengers Made to Deboard Air India Flight After Sitting 2 Hours Onboard as AC Malfunctioned
In an incident that left dozens of passengers frustrated, an Air India flight was forced to deboard its passengers after they remained seated inside the aircraft for nearly two hours due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system. The delay not only caused discomfort but also sparked discussions about passenger safety and airline preparedness in such situations.
The Incident
According to reports, the flight was preparing for departure when technical issues with the aircraft’s air conditioning system were detected. Despite the problem, passengers were boarded on schedule and asked to wait as the crew and ground engineers worked to resolve the fault.
However, as time stretched beyond the first hour, the situation inside the cabin became increasingly uncomfortable. With the cooling system not functioning properly, passengers began to complain of rising temperatures and poor ventilation. Several described the atmosphere as suffocating, especially for elderly travelers and families with children.
After nearly two hours of waiting, the decision was finally made to deboard all passengers until the problem could be fixed.
Passenger Experience
Many passengers took to social media to share their ordeal, posting pictures and videos from inside the aircraft. Some expressed anger over the lack of timely updates, while others questioned why they were made to sit inside the plane for so long despite the AC not functioning.
“I understand technical glitches can happen, but keeping us inside for almost two hours in such heat was unbearable,” one passenger wrote. Another traveler pointed out that children and senior citizens onboard were visibly distressed, and such situations could have health consequences if not handled quickly.
Air India’s Response
Air India later issued a statement acknowledging the technical fault. The airline clarified that safety was never compromised and the crew had been following standard operating procedures while waiting for clearance from engineers. Officials also assured that passengers were provided with necessary assistance once deboarding began.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to our valued passengers. The issue was due to a sudden technical snag in the aircraft’s air conditioning system. Our team worked to resolve the problem and ensured that the flight departed safely after necessary checks,” the statement read.
Why AC Failures Matter
While it may sound like a minor issue, air conditioning failures in aircraft are taken seriously by airlines and regulators. Proper ventilation and cooling systems are essential not just for comfort but also for safety, especially before take-off when external air circulation is limited.
Experts note that prolonged exposure to high cabin temperatures can lead to dehydration, fainting, or medical emergencies. That is why, in such cases, airlines often decide to deboard passengers until the fault is corrected.
Growing Concerns Over Passenger Comfort
The incident has reignited conversations about how airlines handle delays and technical problems. Passengers argue that while safety checks are necessary, communication and comfort should not be overlooked. Being kept inside a hot, non-air-conditioned cabin for two hours, without clear updates, was seen as poor handling.
Consumer rights advocates have highlighted the need for better protocols in such situations. They suggest airlines should consider moving passengers back to the terminal if issues cannot be resolved within a reasonable timeframe. This would prevent discomfort and also allow passengers access to basic amenities like restrooms, food, and proper ventilation.
Broader Picture
Air India, which has been undergoing significant restructuring under the Tata Group, has been focusing on improving service quality and operational efficiency. While this incident may be seen as an isolated technical fault, frequent delays and passenger complaints can impact the airline’s efforts to rebuild its reputation in a competitive aviation market.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also been keeping a close eye on airlines regarding safety and passenger rights. While no regulatory action has been announced in this particular case, aviation experts believe airlines could be asked to review their ground protocols for handling long delays inside aircraft.
Looking Ahead
For passengers on the affected flight, the memory of sitting for nearly two hours in a hot cabin is unlikely to fade quickly. For Air India, the challenge lies in learning from such incidents and ensuring smoother handling in the future.
As air travel in India continues to grow rapidly, passenger expectations around comfort and transparency are higher than ever. While technical glitches are sometimes unavoidable, the way airlines respond to them often defines the overall travel experience.
In this case, the eventual decision to deboard was the right one—but it came after significant discomfort had already been endured. Going forward, passengers hope airlines prioritize not just safety, but also empathy and timely communication.
By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 11 Sep,2025