Delhi to Pune Flight Delay: Passengers Stranded for Over 7 Hours Overnight
Air India Express passengers wait over seven hours on a Delhi-Pune flight, facing double security checks and overnight delays due to fog and bad weather.
Passengers Endure Night-Long Ordeal as Delhi-Pune Flight Faces Massive Delay
Pune: Nearly 200 passengers aboard Air India Express flight IX-1176 from Delhi to Pune experienced a harrowing ordeal when their journey was delayed by more than 10 hours due to adverse weather conditions. Originally scheduled to depart from Delhi at 9:40 PM on Friday, the flight did not take off until 7:30 AM on Saturday, leaving passengers stranded in the aircraft for over seven hours.
Double Security Checks Add to Passengers’ Frustration
Passengers were boarded onto the plane around 10:00 PM, anticipating a timely departure. However, the flight remained grounded overnight due to dense fog and poor visibility. Despite repeated requests from passengers, including senior citizens, to be allowed to wait in the terminal building, airline staff reportedly denied this option until 5:30 AM. Adding to their distress, travelers were required to pass through security checks twice during the prolonged delay.
Ambadas Gawande, a passenger traveling with his family, described the experience as extremely uncomfortable. He lamented the lack of clear communication from the airline staff, stating, “There was no proper explanation or reassurance. We were left waiting without any clear idea of when we would finally depart.”
Weather Woes Affect Multiple Flights
The delay of flight IX-1176 was part of a larger disruption caused by severe fog in northern India. Several flights at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport experienced delays ranging from three to five hours. The congestion and chaotic scenes at the airport led many frustrated passengers to voice their complaints on social media, highlighting inadequate facilities and poor management.
Airline’s Response and Preventive Measures
Although weather conditions were cited as the primary reason for the delay, passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation. Aviation experts have pointed out the need for improved contingency plans, especially during winter months when fog-related disruptions are common.
In response to the incident, Air India Express has reportedly initiated an internal review to improve passenger experience during unforeseen delays. The airline has also reminded passengers to stay updated on flight status through official communication channels.
Guidelines for Travelers During Fog Season
Travelers are advised to keep the following tips in mind during fog-prone periods:
- Check Flight Status Frequently: Use airline websites or mobile apps for real-time updates.
- Arrive Early at the Airport: Anticipate longer wait times due to potential delays.
- Stay Equipped: Carry essentials like snacks, water, and entertainment for long waiting periods.
Despite the inconveniences faced, no safety concerns were reported on the delayed flight. The situation underscores the importance of improved coordination between airlines and airport authorities to mitigate passenger discomfort in future weather-related disruptions.
