Air India pilot refuses to fly UK-Delhi flight after diversion, leaves passengers stranded at Jaipur
The AI-112 flight was supposed to arrive in Delhi at 4 a.m. on Sunday but was diverted to Jaipur due to severe weather in the area near Delhi.
Air India pilot refuses to fly UK-Delhi flight after diversion, leaves passengers stranded at Jaipur:
Around 200 passengers aboard an Air India Airlines flight from London to Delhi experienced a distressing incident on Sunday. They were stranded for nearly three hours, leading them to make alternative travel arrangements to reach their destination.
According to the passengers, they criticized the airline for mismanaging the situation. AI 112 from London to Delhi was initially scheduled to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport at 4 am on Sunday. However, the flight was diverted to Jaipur Airport due to adverse weather conditions.
After a two-hour delay, the flight received clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to proceed to Delhi. However, the pilots informed the passengers that they could not continue the flight due to flight duty limitations. As a result, the aircraft remained grounded. After an extensive delay of nearly 11 hours, the passengers could finally disembark at 2 pm.
During this time, frustrated passengers took to Twitter to express their concerns about the situation. One passenger tweeted about the lack of assistance provided to passengers on the flight and their inability to reach their final destinations. They specifically mentioned the flight number, AI112, and tagged the Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, urging him to intervene and address the issue.
According to an Air India spokesperson, the pilots did not deny flying the aircraft but decided based on the regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The spokesperson explained that due to the diversion to Jaipur, the crew’s flight duty time limitations were exceeded. In compliance with safety regulations, a fresh set of crew members was arranged to ensure the guests could be flown to Delhi as soon as possible.
The spokesperson further expressed regret for the inconvenience experienced by the passengers during their time in Jaipur. However, they emphasized that the actions taken by the airline were solely in the interest of ensuring the safety of both the passengers and the crew.
By highlighting the adherence to Flight Duty Time Limitations regulations, the spokesperson aimed to clarify that the decision made by the pilots was not due to any negligence or mismanagement on the part of Air India. The airline recognized the importance of prioritizing safety and took appropriate measures to address the situation.
It is important to note that flight diversions due to bad weather are not uncommon in the aviation industry. Such situations often require careful consideration of safety protocols and regulations to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members. While the extended delay may have caused frustration among the affected passengers, the airline’s spokesperson sought to reassure them that the actions taken were in accordance with established guidelines.
Overall, Air India expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its passengers. The airline acknowledged the concerns raised by passengers on social media and responded by explaining the situation and the measures taken to address it.
Passengers stranded at the Jaipur airport have alleged mismanagement, stating that they faced difficulties and even missed their connecting flights from Delhi. Adit Kothari, one of the passengers affected by the incident, expressed frustration over the lack of proper arrangements during their time at the airport.
According to Kothari, passengers had to wait for two hours inside the aircraft after the flight was diverted to Jaipur. Following that, they had to wait for transportation to the terminal and then experienced delays in immigration and customs clearance. He further mentioned that they were not provided basic necessities such as a place to rest, a proper meal, or even drinking water.
These allegations raise concerns about the level of assistance and support provided to the stranded passengers at the Jaipur airport. The passengers’ frustration is understandable, as they faced a series of delays and were left without the necessary amenities.
Airlines and airport authorities need to have contingency plans in place for situations like flight diversions. Adequate arrangements should be made to ensure the comfort and well-being of passengers, including providing necessary facilities and assistance during unexpected delays.
The claims made by the passengers highlight the need for improved coordination and communication between airlines, airport authorities, and other relevant stakeholders in handling such situations. Timely and practical support is crucial to minimizing passengers’ inconvenience and ensuring their smooth transition to their final destinations.
Air India and the concerned airport authorities should take these allegations seriously and thoroughly investigate the reported mismanagement. By addressing the concerns raised by the passengers, the airline can demonstrate its commitment to improving customer experience and avoiding similar incidents in the future.
Passenger safety, comfort, and satisfaction should always be the top priority for airlines and airports, and incidents like this serve as reminders of the importance of continuously striving for better practices and procedures in the aviation industry.
