An Air India flight scheduled to depart from London to Mumbai was forced to abort takeoff at the last minute due to an undisclosed technical issue, causing significant inconvenience for passengers.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening as flight AI130 was preparing for departure from London's Heathrow Airport. Passengers were already aboard when the crew identified the problem, leading to an indefinite delay.
Passengers Express Frustration
Several travellers took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the airline's handling of the situation. Many reported being kept onboard for hours without adequate updates or refreshments.
"We were told there was a minor technical issue that would be resolved quickly," said one passenger. "Three hours later, we're still sitting here with no clear information."
Air India's Response
The airline later issued a statement acknowledging the disruption: "Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers on flight AI130. Our engineering team is working to resolve the technical matter, and we are making alternative arrangements for affected travellers."
Passengers were eventually deplaned and provided with hotel accommodations as the aircraft underwent maintenance checks. The flight was rescheduled for the following day.
Growing Scrutiny of Air India Operations
This incident comes amid increasing scrutiny of Air India's operational reliability following its acquisition by Tata Group in 2022. Aviation experts note that while such technical delays aren't uncommon in the industry, communication with passengers remains a critical area for improvement.
The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified of the incident, though no formal investigation has been announced.
