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
