A five-hour Phuket to Delhi flight turned into a four-day ordeal for numerous passengers on an Air India flight. The trouble began on November 16 when AI 377, carrying 142 passengers, was scheduled to depart from Phuket at 5:50 pm local time. However, the Airbus A320 (VT-EDD) was unable to take off due to technical issues and limitations related to the crew’s duty hours, according to sources.
The following day, the aircraft departed from Phuket at 8:44 pm but had to return to the Thai city after 3.5 hours due to another technical issue. Air India sources have now indicated plans to fly approximately 30-35 remaining passengers back to Delhi on Wednesday. If successful, these passengers will have reached their destination four days later than originally planned.
Also read | Gangster Anmol Bishnoi detained in California: Officials
“The airline provided them hotel accommodation in Phuket when the Nov 16 flight was cancelled. Most of the 142 people supposed to travel AI 377 that day have either cancelled their ticket or made other arrangements to return to Delhi. Now about 30-35 passengers remain in Phuket who are likely to be flown back on Wednesday,” said AI sources.
AI’s statement on the Phuket to Delhi flight
In a statement, AI said: “Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience to passengers of Flight AI-377 operating from Phuket to Delhi on Nov 16 which was cancelled due to a technical issue. While our staff on the ground made efforts to minimise their inconvenience, providing all on-ground assistance including hotel accommodations and meals, some of the guests were also reaccommodated on alternatively available flights. Passengers were also offered options for full refunds on cancellation and complimentary rescheduling. At Air India, our passengers’ and crew’s safety and security is top priority.”
For more such latest updates, click here.
