Flight AI-179 was supposed to depart at 2.25 pm and passengers, which included many senior citizens, had boarded by 3.30 pm, said sources . Passengers took to social media to complain about poor air conditioning and no update on the flight status.
An X (formerly Twitter) user Devang Desai posted:”Passengers are stuck inside flight after reported engine problems.Few passengers decided not to fly. (Air India) Not departing, not giving correct information.”
“A couple of senior citizens fainted in the heat. Some were allowed to deplane,” said sources. The other passengers were finally disembarked at 9 pm.
Air India in a statement said: “AI-179 from Mumbai to San Francisco, scheduled to depart at 1600 hrs today, was delayed due to a technical issue arising just before departure. Giving top priority to safety issues, the aircraft was held back for engineering checks.
Meanwhile, a few guests decided to discontinue the journey and the flight got further delayed as their baggage had to be offloaded from the aircraft.
The flight pushed back at 1917 but had to ramp return due to one guest feeling unwell. While the ailing guest was being deboarded with his baggage, the night landing restrictions at SFO had set in along with the crew flight duty limitations.
Guests have been offered hotel accommodation, complimentary rescheduling and full refunds and served refreshments at the airport.
The flight has now been rescheduled at 1030 hrs tomorrow. Inconvenience caused to guests is sincerely regretted.”