Passengers on board an Air India flight from Delhi to Patna faced a highly uncomfortable experience after the aircraft’s air conditioning system failed. The issue reportedly turned the cabin into a sweltering space, forcing many to use safety cards and newspapers to cool themselves. The airline acknowledged the issue only after passengers deboarded.
AC Failure Causes Mid-Air Discomfort
The AC malfunction occurred on Air India flight AI 416, which was set to fly from Delhi to Patna. As reported by India TV News, the temperature inside the aircraft began to rise shortly after boarding. Passengers started to feel the heat almost immediately, leading to visible discomfort across the cabin. An X user, Aditya Goswami, shared the ordeal on social media.
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Many resorted to fanning themselves using available materials as the airflow inside the aircraft remained stagnant. With no timely assistance from the crew and the cooling system non-functional, the journey became unbearable for several passengers.
Passengers Forced To Deboard Before Take-Off
According to media reports, the aircraft had not taken off when the situation escalated. Due to the rising heat levels, passengers demanded relief and ultimately deboarded the plane. The incident led to delays and created confusion on the ground. Air India later addressed the situation, but only after the affected travellers had exited the aircraft.
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The airline stated that the issue stemmed from a technical glitch in the air conditioning system and claimed that steps would be taken to avoid a repeat. However, the delayed response and lack of in-flight communication left many disappointed.
Similar Incidents Raise Maintenance Concerns
This incident adds to a growing list of recent technical issues on Indian flights. Several passengers across airlines have reported air conditioning failures or poor temperature regulation mid-air. These recurring problems point towards a larger concern around aircraft maintenance and passenger comfort.
As per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airlines must ensure that all critical onboard systems function efficiently before take-off. With rising summer temperatures and full passenger loads, faulty AC systems pose serious risks to health and safety.
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Air India must now address these recurring issues with a long-term maintenance strategy. The focus must shift to pre-flight checks and ensuring better cabin conditions, especially on domestic routes prone to high passenger traffic.
Cover Image Courtesy: @AdityaGoswami_ / X