Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Passengers bound for Nepal faced an exhausting ordeal after an Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kathmandu was delayed by nearly 18 hours, leading to dramatic protests at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. What began as a routine international departure soon spiralled into confusion, anger and confrontation, as stranded travellers accused the airline of poor communication and mismanagement.

According to airport sources, the flight was originally scheduled to depart from Bengaluru at around 10:30 am on Thursday for Kathmandu. However, just before takeoff, technical issues were reportedly detected in the aircraft. The airline later confirmed that mechanical concerns prevented the flight from departing as scheduled. While such checks are essential for safety, passengers alleged that they were left without clear updates for hours, creating uncertainty and frustration inside the aircraft.

The situation escalated as travellers remained seated inside the plane for an extended period. Many complained of discomfort, lack of proper information and mounting anxiety over missed connections and disrupted plans. As hours passed without a definitive timeline, tempers flared. By Friday morning, when the aircraft finally took off, passengers hoped the ordeal was nearing its end. However, further complications followed.

Midway through the journey, adverse weather conditions in Kathmandu reportedly made landing unsafe. The aircraft was diverted and eventually returned, with sources indicating that it briefly touched down in Lucknow before heading back. The unexpected return deepened passenger resentment. Having already endured a prolonged delay, travellers now found themselves back where they had started, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Upon arrival at Bengaluru airport, angry passengers gathered near the immigration area and staged protests against the airline. Slogans were raised as travellers demanded accountability and clearer communication. Many alleged that the absence of timely and transparent updates from the airline had aggravated the crisis more than the delay itself. Videos from the terminal showed tense scenes, with airport authorities and airline staff attempting to calm the crowd.

Air India Express expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers. The airline attributed the disruption to a combination of technical issues and severe weather conditions in Kathmandu, emphasizing that passenger safety remained the top priority. Officials assured that affected travellers would be provided hotel accommodation where necessary and offered full refunds for ticket cancellations.

The airline also announced the arrangement of a special flight to transport stranded passengers to their destination. A spokesperson stated that efforts were being made to ensure that all affected individuals reach Kathmandu at the earliest possible time.

The incident has once again highlighted the delicate balance between operational safety and customer communication in air travel. While technical inspections and weather-related diversions are part of aviation protocol, passenger dissatisfaction often stems from perceived gaps in transparency. For many on board, the experience was not merely about a delayed journey but about the emotional strain of uncertainty and prolonged confinement.

The episode stands as a reminder that in modern aviation, timely communication is as critical as mechanical precision. For the weary passengers at Kempegowda International Airport, the 18-hour delay will likely remain an unforgettable chapter in their travel history.