A Paris-New Delhi Air India flight was diverted to Jaipur on Monday, leading to chaos as passengers endured extended delays before being transported to Delhi by road. The incident left many passengers frustrated, particularly after pilots refused to continue flying upon completing their duty hours.

Flight AI-2022, which departed Paris at 10 PM on Sunday, was scheduled to land in Delhi at 10:35 AM Monday. However, heavy smog in Delhi led to its diversion to Jaipur. According to sources, the pilots were not certified for low-visibility landings, necessitating the rerouting.

At Jaipur airport, the situation worsened when the pilots, citing the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, declined to resume flying. These regulations are designed to ensure crew rest and prevent fatigue-related safety risks.

Passengers, already delayed for several hours, expressed outrage over the airline’s handling of the situation. Social media posts highlighted the ordeal, with some describing the management as "pathetic" and "inhuman." One passenger, Vishal P, tweeted:

“Shameful and pathetic management from @airindia today as flight #AI2022 from CDG-DEL diverted to JAI. Pax stranded at JAI asked to spend 5 hrs inside the aircraft and then to take a bus from JAI to DEL. My wife and two-month-old baby are suffering, and I am helpless.”

Another passenger, Giridhara Upadhayaya, shared:

“@airindia is not helping passengers from Paris to Bengaluru stranded in Jaipur since 12 noon. There is a mother with a 2-month-old baby, and they are not in the mood to assist. Very inhuman staff.”

Sources revealed that arranging an alternate flight would have taken more time than organizing road transport. As protests grew among passengers, the airline eventually arranged buses to take them to Delhi.

Air India has yet to release an official statement on the incident.