Air India flight nightmare: Delhi-bound passengers stuck in Phuket for 80 hours

A nightmare scenario unfolded for over 100 New Delhi-bound passengers of an Air India flight, who have been stranded in Phuket, Thailand, for over 80 hours due to recurring technical faults, as per social media posts by passengers.

The ordeal began on November 16, when the flight was scheduled to depart for Delhi. Passengers were initially informed of a six-hour delay, only to be asked to board the plane, and then deboarded an hour later. The flight was eventually cancelled.

Air India attributed the cancellation to a technical issue and claimed that staff provided on-ground assistance, including hotel accommodations and meals. Some passengers were accommodated on alternative flights, while others were offered full refunds or complimentary rescheduling.

However, the passengers’ woes continued when they were asked to reboard the same plane, assured that the technical fault had been fixed. The plane took off but returned to Phuket just two-and-a-half hours later, citing another technical issue.

Since then, passengers have been stuck in Phuket, with many taking to social media to express frustration over the lack of satisfactory responses from airline representatives.

According to Air India sources, several passengers have been sent back, leaving around 40 still stranded in Phuket, who are expected to depart this evening.

The incident has raised concerns about Air India’s handling of technical issues and passenger care.