Technical Glitch Delays Air India Mumbai-London Flight Over 6 Hours
Air India flight AI129 experienced significant delays departing from Mumbai to London due to a technical glitch. Originally scheduled for a 6:30 AM takeoff, the flight will now leave at 1:00 PM, causing considerable inconvenience for passengers.
Details of the Delay
Passengers were informed of the delay shortly before boarding was scheduled to start. Initially, boarding was set for 5:20 AM but commenced at 6:00 AM instead. After boarding, passengers remained seated for about one to one and a half hours. Eventually, they were asked to deplane due to ongoing technical issues.
Passenger Experience
Many passengers had not slept well the night before, anticipating an early departure. Now, they face frustration due to this unexpected delay. During the waiting period, Air India provided refreshments to those affected.
Technical Issues at Delhi Airport
This situation follows a broader issue affecting multiple flights. On Friday morning, over 100 flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) were delayed due to a problem with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system.
Airlines Respond to the Crisis
Air India, along with other airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet, issued advisories alerting passengers to potential delays resulting from the ATC malfunction. Communication from Air India acknowledged the disruption and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused, highlighting that it was beyond their control.
Guidance for Passengers
- Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
- Airline representatives are providing assistance to minimize discomfort during the delays.
- Travelers are encouraged to remain patient as the situation unfolds.
As the situation develops, El-Balad will continue to provide updates on the status of the delayed Air India flight and any related travel disruptions.
