It was a chaotic day for the Air India group, with a major safety incident requiring an emergency return, swiftly followed by a high-profile public complaint about customer service and transparency.
1. Safety First: Delhi-Ahmedabad Flight Returns
An Air India flight, AI2939, operating from Delhi to Ahmedabad on November 27, had to turn back shortly after takeoff. The reason? A smoke indication alarm went off in the cockpit, pointing toward the cargo hold.
The Protocol: The crew initiated standard operating procedures immediately and returned to Delhi. That’s the first priority, obviously.
The Outcome: The aircraft landed safely. Passengers and crew were all disembarked without incident. And here’s the kicker: after thorough precautionary checks, the smoke indication was found to be false.
The airline provided assistance and made alternative arrangements, but it was a serious scare. It underscores the intense vigilance required in the air.
2. Operational Nightmare: Mohammed Siraj Calls Out AI Express
Meanwhile, there’s the ongoing battle with delays and poor communication, which Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj blasted publicly on X.
Siraj’s Air India Express flight (IX 2884) from Guwahati to Hyderabad was supposed to depart at 7:25 PM. It was delayed by over four hours, leaving passengers stranded, before it was finally cancelled the next day.
The Complaint: Siraj expressed serious anguish over the delay, but the core issue was the lack of communication. He called it “really frustrating” and the “worst airline experience,” stressing that proper updates are “the basic ask by every passenger.” He went so far as to advise people against taking the airline.
The Airline’s Response: Air India Express issued a public apology on X, citing “unforeseen operational reasons” for the cancellation and assuring that their team was actively assisting guests.
The contrast is stark: Air India followed protocol perfectly in a critical safety moment, but the communication from the low-cost wing, Air India Express, totally failed its passengers, even one as high-profile as a national cricket team member. It’s a rough look for the group.
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