Patna: Two Air India flights arriving in Patna on Saturday triggered chaos among passengers after landing without their checked-in luggage. Passengers from Bengaluru and Chennai were left frustrated and angry as they waited in vain at the baggage belts, only to be told their luggage had not made the journey.
Flight IX2936 from Bengaluru arrived around 8:30am, carrying 180 passengers but no luggage. Similarly, Flight XI1634 from Chennai also failed to bring passengers’ belongings. Ground staff informed the agitated travellers that weather conditions and weight constraints forced the airline to leave the luggage behind.
“There was heavy rainfall and Patna airport has a short runway. The aircraft could not carry all the baggage due to safety limitations,” an Air India staff member explained, citing operational restrictions. “The luggage will arrive by 8am tomorrow and will be delivered to passengers’ homes,” they assured.
However, passengers were unimpressed by the explanation. Many had paid extra for checked baggage and expressed their frustration over the lack of communication. “No one told us in advance that our bags would be left behind,” said Vivek Sharma, who travelled from Bengaluru. “We were just handed a receipt and told to wait.”
Another passenger, Shivaji, who flew in from Chennai, added, “I had a connecting flight from Pune and paid Rs 3,500 for extra luggage. When we landed, we were directed to belt 3, but nothing arrived.”
The scene at Jay Prakash Narayan Airport soon turned chaotic as several passengers began protesting. Air India’s ground staff, assisted by CISF personnel, worked to pacify the crowd and take down contact details to ensure baggage would be delivered.
Several passengers, particularly those with onward travel plans, faced significant disruption due to the delay. While some reluctantly left the airport, others remained in hopes of retrieving their luggage.
Air India has not issued a formal statement on the matter, and passengers have been left relying on verbal assurances and baggage claim receipts.
