Over 100 Air India passengers bound for New Delhi have been stranded in Phuket, Thailand, for over 80 hours due to repeated delays and technical issues, according to multiple social media posts by passengers. The flight, originally scheduled for November 16, faced an initial six-hour delay because of a technical fault. After waiting for hours at the airport, passengers were boarded onto the plane, only to be deboarded an hour later when the flight was canceled.
Air India acknowledged the inconvenience, stating the November 16 flight was canceled due to a technical issue. The airline emphasized that ground staff worked to minimize disruption by offering hotel accommodations, meals, and rebooking on alternative flights. “Some of the guests were also accommodated on alternatively available flights. Passengers were also offered options for full refunds on cancellation and complimentary rescheduling,” the airline stated, stressing that passenger safety and security are a priority.
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After further delays, passengers were told the same plane was fixed and ready for takeoff. However, just two-and-a-half hours into the flight, it returned to Phuket due to another technical issue, leaving passengers stranded once again.
Despite efforts to provide assistance, passengers, including elderly and children, have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clear communication from the airline. “Several passengers have been sent back. About 40 are still in Phuket, they would be sent back this evening,” an airline source confirmed.
