Akasa Air Passengers Face Seven-Hour Delay on Mumbai-Goa Flight
A routine 50-minute journey from Mumbai to Goa escalated into a major inconvenience for over 100 passengers aboard Akasa Air’s flight QP 1301. The ordeal lasted seven hours and unfolded on a Sunday night, highlighting issues with crew scheduling rather than technical problems.
Timeline of Delays
- Scheduled Departure: Original timing was 6:00 PM.
- First Reschedule: Shifted to 6:25 PM.
- Check-in Update: Delayed again to 8:00 PM at Mumbai’s Terminal 1.
- Snack Service: Passengers received a snack box and water at 8:30 PM.
- Final Delay Notification: Flight was pushed to 9:00 PM due to first officer’s flight duty time limitations.
- Boarding Time: Began at 9:00 PM, but the aircraft did not taxi until 10:00 PM.
- Return to Terminal: The aircraft returned to the terminal after attempting to take off.
- New Pilot Arrival: Fresh pilot took over around 11:30 PM, after issues with the initial crew’s flight hours.
- Final Departure: Flight took off at 12:30 AM and landed at Mopa at 1:30 AM.
Passenger Experience
Many passengers expressed frustration during the ordeal. Nirmala Sequeira, a senior citizen from Panaji, criticized the airline for not providing complete support. Bharat Morpana, another passenger, stated that despite the multiple delays, no complimentary food was offered during wait times.
As the situation unfolded, some passengers with children became particularly restless. The failure to manage crew schedules led to significant dissatisfaction among those waiting for their flight.
Official Statement from Akasa Air
The airline acknowledged the delays, indicating that the crew was unable to fulfill their duties due to time limitations. An Akasa Air spokesperson noted, “Akasa Air flight QP1301 operating from Mumbai to Goa faced progressive delays, ultimately requiring the assignment of fresh crew for the flight.” They also stated that during the delays, passengers were provided with refreshments and assistance.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of effective crew scheduling and communication with passengers. Akasa Air’s flight QP 1301 is a case study in how operational issues can affect travel plans significantly.
