Passengers traveling from Mumbai to London on Air India’s AI-131 flight faced a delay of over six hours on Friday night after a technical snag was detected before takeoff.
According to airline sources, the issue was discovered during pre-departure safety checks at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), prompting engineers to halt operations for inspection and maintenance.
What Happened
The flight, scheduled to depart Mumbai around 2:30 AM, was held back after pilots reported an alert in the aircraft’s technical system.
A team of Air India engineers and airport technicians was immediately deployed to rectify the issue.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, underwent detailed checks before it was cleared for departure in the early morning hours.
Passenger Experience
Several passengers expressed frustration over the prolonged wait at the airport.
While the airline arranged refreshments and assistance, many travelers took to social media to highlight the lack of clear communication about the delay.
“We were informed multiple times that the flight would depart ‘shortly,’ but ended up waiting over six hours,” said one passenger.
An Air India spokesperson later confirmed that passenger safety was the top priority, and the delay was necessary to ensure airworthiness.
Air India’s Official Statement
“Flight AI-131 (Mumbai–London Heathrow) was delayed due to a technical issue detected before departure. The aircraft underwent mandatory checks and was cleared after safety certification. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers,” the airline said in an official release.
The flight finally departed after 6:30 AM, reaching London Heathrow Airport later than scheduled.
Safety Over Schedule
Aviation experts noted that such technical delays, while inconvenient, are common and crucial in maintaining flight safety standards.
“Airlines are required by DGCA norms to delay departures if there’s even a minor technical warning,” said an aviation operations expert. “It’s always better to wait on ground than face complications mid-air.”
Air India’s Recent Operations
Air India has been undergoing a fleet modernization program under the Tata Group, which includes the induction of new Airbus A350s and refurbished Boeing aircraft.
Despite this, the airline continues to face occasional technical and scheduling disruptions, largely due to legacy infrastructure and maintenance transitions.
The airline recently announced plans to upgrade customer service protocols to improve communication and passenger handling during flight delays.
Conclusion
While the six-hour delay on the Mumbai–London route caused understandable inconvenience, Air India’s decision to prioritize safety checks over schedule reflects its adherence to aviation safety protocols.
Passengers were accommodated upon arrival, and operations have since resumed normally.
FAQs:
Q1. Which Air India flight was delayed from Mumbai to London?
Flight AI-131, operating from Mumbai to London Heathrow, was delayed by over six hours due to a technical issue.
Q2. What caused the delay?
A technical snag was detected during safety checks before departure, prompting immediate maintenance inspection.
Q3. How long was the delay?
The flight, originally scheduled for around 2:30 AM, took off after 6:30 AM, resulting in roughly a 6-hour delay.
Q4. Were passengers compensated for the delay?
While Air India provided refreshments and assistance, compensation details were not immediately confirmed. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience.
Q5. Is this a common issue for Air India?
Such delays occur occasionally across all airlines and are standard safety procedures under DGCA regulations.
Published on : 8th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit :This article is based on a report by Asian News International (ANI).