Monday, January 27, 2025 Air India Flight AI909’s five-hour delay from Mumbai to Dubai left passengers in sweltering, airless conditions, sparking outrage and calls for accountability. This incident highlights the critical need for enhanced contingency planning and a more proactive approach to passenger welfare during delays, especially for a prominent national carrier like Air India. Passengers aboard Air India Flight AI909, scheduled to depart from Mumbai to Dubai on January 26, faced a grueling five-hour delay without operational air conditioning, creating an uncomfortable and distressing experience.
The flight, originally scheduled to leave Mumbai at 8:25 AM IST and reach Dubai at 10:15 AM GST, encountered significant delays due to technical problems with the Air India 787-8 aircraft. The plane eventually departed at 5:10 PM IST and arrived in Dubai at 6:29 PM GST, more than five hours behind schedule. Throughout the delay, passengers endured sweltering cabin conditions, with temperatures reportedly rising to unbearable levels.
Several passengers expressed difficulty breathing, while others described the experience as suffocating. Frustration mounted as relief measures from the crew appeared insufficient. Passengers ultimately demanded to be deboarded, a request that was reluctantly granted after persistent appeals.
A video recorded by one of the affected passengers has since gone viral, amplifying criticism of Air India’s handling of the situation. Many passengers to.
