Patna: Passengers on an Air India flight from Patna to Delhi faced severe discomfort on Sunday afternoon after the aircraft’s air conditioning system failed just before takeoff. The flight, which was scheduled to depart around 3:15 PM, remained grounded for nearly an hour as the cabin grew unbearably hot and humid.
Dozens of passengers were already seated when the issue occurred. With the air conditioning system non-functional, many resorted to fanning themselves with magazines, newspapers, and other makeshift items in an attempt to stay cool. The situation led to visible distress among the travelers.
“It was extremely uncomfortable. We were all sweating and feeling suffocated. Some elderly passengers were especially affected,” one flyer told reporters after landing in Delhi. Several passengers raised complaints with the cabin crew during the ordeal.
According to sources, the problem was resolved at approximately 4:15 PM after a technical team from Air India intervened. Only after the AC was restored did the flight take off for Delhi.
Videos shared by passengers on social media showed the stifling conditions inside the aircraft. One video captured a visibly irritated traveler describing the experience, highlighting the discomfort caused by the malfunction.
A passenger wrote, “This was an avoidable mess. Thankfully, the aircraft didn’t take off. Imagine flying to Delhi in this heat without AC.”
Following the landing in Delhi, multiple passengers filed complaints with Air India, urging the airline to ensure such technical failures are addressed before boarding begins in the future.
Air India has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
