Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Delhi to Bangkok faced a five-hour delay after an unusual and alarming discovery was made—bundles of hay were found stuffed inside the wing compartment of the aircraft during a routine inspection.
The incident took place early morning at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, shortly before the aircraft was scheduled to depart.
🔍 What Happened?
Ground crew conducting a pre-flight inspection reportedly noticed foreign material protruding from the wing area. Upon further examination, technicians found dried hay packed inside a wing cavity. The aircraft was immediately grounded for a thorough safety check.
“This was a serious security and safety concern. The flight was cleared only after extensive inspection,” a source from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.
🕔 Passenger Inconvenience
Flight AI-332 was scheduled to take off around 6:30 AM, but only departed around 11:45 AM.
Over 150 passengers were stranded at the terminal during the delay.
Air India arranged refreshments and seating, but some passengers complained of poor communication.
🔧 How Did The Hay Get There?
Officials believe the aircraft may have picked up debris while parked near a rural or maintenance zone, possibly during a previous stop. An internal probe is underway to determine if this was due to negligence, contamination, or sabotage.
✈️ Safety First: Aircraft Finally Cleared
After extensive checks and system diagnostics, engineers certified the aircraft airworthy, and it resumed service. No damage or technical failure was reported.
Air India has informed the DGCA, and further reviews of ground operations and inspection protocols are expected.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why was the Air India flight to Bangkok delayed?
The delay was caused by the discovery of hay stuffed inside the wing of the aircraft during a routine inspection.
Q2: Was anyone in danger because of this incident?
No immediate threat was detected. The aircraft was grounded for thorough checks and cleared before takeoff.
Q3: How did hay get into the aircraft wing?
Officials suspect it may have been collected accidentally while the aircraft was parked or during transit. An internal investigation is ongoing.
Q4: Were passengers compensated for the delay?
Air India provided basic refreshments and seating, though some passengers reported poor communication about the delay.
published on 27th june
Publisher : SMITA
www.vizzve.com || www.vizzveservices.com
Follow us on social media: Facebook || Linkedin || Instagram
🛡 Powered by Vizzve Financial
RBI-Registered Loan Partner | 10 Lakh+ Customers | ₹600 Cr+ Disbursed