AI flight delayed for over 7 hours, passengers hassled

A Delhi-bound Air India flight from the Kempegowda International Airport was delayed for over seven hours, triggering anger and frustration among passengers on Saturday. Scheduled for departure from KIA at 10 am, the flight (AI 505) took off only at 5.15 pm.

The delay was attributed to technical problems by an Air India spokesperson. However, no more details were forthcoming. It was even worse for the over 200 passengers, who included children and senior citizens.

The passengers had boarded the flight at 9.30 am. But just when they expected the flight to take off, the crew told them the aircraft had developed an engine malfunction. Everyone had to deboard, but none of them knew about any alternative arrangements.

A passenger later said the crew, too, were not aware of any other flight. Eventually, they were asked to get onto another flight at about 1.30 pm. But, as another passenger said, the captain on that flight announced that his duty was over at 3 pm. The take-off would be only after the next crew arrived.

Among those who were severely affected by the delay were international passengers who had connecting flights. Many complained they received no SMS alerts or emails notifying them about the delay.