Another day, another snag for Air India. A Bhubaneswar-Delhi flight was grounded due to high cabin heat, raising eyebrows and passenger concerns. Let's
dive into the details.
Cabin Heat Problem
Air India's flight AI500, bound for Delhi from Bhubaneswar, faced a technical snag, leading to its cancellation. The primary issue was unusually high cabin temperatures before departure. The flight was slated to leave at 12:35 PM, causing inconvenience for passengers. The airline emphasized passenger safety as the primary reason for the cancellation.
Safety Scrutiny Rising
This incident occurs amid growing concerns over flight safety in India. A LocalCircles survey revealed that 76% of respondents believe airlines prioritize advertising over safety. Furthermore, 64% reported experiencing flight difficulties in the past three years. These issues are exacerbated by DGCA's heightened scrutiny of Air India.
DGCA Audit Findings
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is closely monitoring Air India's safety standards, with an audit uncovering approximately 100 violations and safety concerns. These included issues in pilot training, crew duty norms, and airfield qualifications. Notably, seven violations were classified as Level-1, requiring immediate attention.
Previous Incidents Noted
This recent cancellation follows other technical snags experienced by Air India. Earlier in the day, flight AI349 from Singapore to Chennai was cancelled due to a maintenance issue. These issues add to the challenges faced by the airline, making the safety concerns even more pressing amidst increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies.
