More than 100 passengers on an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi faced over 80 hours of delays after repeated technical issues grounded their aircraft. The ordeal began on November 16 and left passengers frustrated, with many taking to social media to highlight the airline’s alleged lack of adequate support during the extended disruption.

Initially, the flight was scheduled to depart on the night of November 16 but was delayed by six hours due to a technical fault, according to Air India. Passengers were eventually asked to board the plane, only to be deboarded an hour later when the flight was abruptly cancelled.

Air India issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience, stating, “Our staff made efforts to minimize inconvenience by providing on-ground assistance, including hotel accommodations and meals. Some passengers were rebooked on alternative flights, and others were offered full refunds or complimentary rescheduling. Passenger safety remains our top priority.”

However, passengers shared a different narrative. Many described chaotic scenes at the airport, with sparse updates from airline representatives and inadequate communication regarding next steps. Several travelers tagged Air India on X (formerly Twitter), expressing frustration and demanding clarity, but claimed responses were minimal.

The situation deteriorated further when passengers were informed that the same aircraft had been repaired and was ready to operate. Although the flight eventually took off after a two-day delay, it was forced to return to Phuket mid-flight due to yet another technical issue. Passengers were left stranded again, heightening their frustration.

Social media posts from passengers described the experience as “mentally and physically exhausting,” with many criticizing the airline for its poor crisis management. Some travelers also reported delays in being provided accommodations and meals, despite Air India’s assurances.

This incident has raised concerns about Air India’s operational reliability and emergency response capabilities. Passengers are calling for stricter accountability and measures to ensure such disruptions are avoided in the future.