New Delhi, 31 May 2024
Amid scorching temperatures and a sweltering heatwave gripping Delhi, passengers aboard Air India Flight AI 183 endured a harrowing ordeal, facing a staggering 20-hour delay coupled with oppressive conditions inside the aircraft. The flight, scheduled to depart for San Francisco yesterday afternoon, finally took off at 11 am today, leaving travelers frustrated and fatigued.
According to reports, the delay exceeded eight hours, forcing passengers to board the plane without functioning air-conditioning systems, exacerbating the discomfort caused by the extreme heat. Witnesses recounted distressing scenes inside the aircraft, with some individuals reportedly fainting due to the stifling conditions.
Visuals shared by affected passengers depicted scenes of exhaustion and discomfort, with individuals, including children, seen sitting on the floor and removing their shoes in a bid to find respite from the oppressive heat.
Delhi, reeling under a severe heatwave, recorded a record-breaking temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius earlier this week, exacerbating the challenges faced by travelers and airport authorities alike. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had previously issued guidelines to address chaotic situations at airports, emphasizing the need for airlines to prioritize passenger welfare during delays and cancellations.
As the fallout from the incident continues to unfold, stakeholders are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the prolonged delay and inadequate facilities provided to passengers. With concerns over passenger safety and well-being at the forefront, the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to implement robust measures to prevent similar incidents in the future
Prateeksha Kumari is a journalist and strategic communications professional specialising in digital journalism, political reporting, and public affairs. Her work focuses on grassroots issues, governance, and civic developments, with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and narrative-driven reporting.
She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla and has qualified the UGC-NET examination, reflecting her academic grounding in media studies and communication research. Her reporting spans politics, public policy, health, education, and socio-economic issues, and she is experienced in bilingual (Hindi and English) content creation tailored to diverse audiences.
Alongside her journalistic work, she brings experience in political communication and public relations, where she has contributed to campaign messaging, media outreach, and narrative building. She has worked on integrated communication strategies across print and digital platforms, combining editorial judgment with audience insight and data-led content approaches.