Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi found themselves stranded in Thailand for over three days after the aircraft faced repeated technical issues, causing delays and an emergency landing. Social media posts from frustrated passengers detailed their ordeal, including elderly travelers and children, who have been waiting for a resolution since November 16.
The flight, initially scheduled to depart Phuket on November 16, was delayed by six hours due to a technical fault. After hours of waiting at the airport, passengers boarded the plane only to be deboarded later when the flight was canceled.
Air India confirmed the cancellation, citing technical issues. In a statement, the airline expressed regret over the inconvenience and emphasized that passenger safety is its top priority. It stated that efforts were made to minimize disruptions, including hotel accommodations, meals, and alternate flight arrangements for some passengers. Full refunds and complimentary rescheduling options were also offered.
Despite assurances, the situation worsened when the same aircraft, after reportedly being repaired, took off but had to return to Phuket just two-and-a-half hours later due to another technical fault.
FlightRadar data confirmed the aircraft’s trajectory, showing its brief flight before returning to Phuket. Passengers reported a lack of satisfactory communication from Air India representatives, further aggravating the situation.
An airline source later revealed that most passengers were accommodated on alternative flights, with around 40 still awaiting departure from Phuket as of November 20. Efforts are underway to bring them back to India.
This incident highlights the need for robust crisis management and better communication from airlines during such disruptions, ensuring passenger comfort and trust.
