A recent Air India flight from Delhi to Patna experienced a malfunctioning air conditioning system, leaving passengers to endure the scorching heat for hours. The incident occurred on May 18, 2025, and a video of the uncomfortable situation has gone viral on social media. The footage shows passengers using in-flight reading materials as makeshift hand fans to try and cool themselves down.
One of the passengers, Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA Rishi Mishra, recorded a video complaint, stating that the flight was scheduled to depart at 4 pm, but they had been sitting on the plane for over an hour without air conditioning. He expressed concern for the well-being of children and other passengers who were visibly troubled by the heat.
As the situation persisted, the passengers were eventually deboarded and transferred to an alternate aircraft, which departed for Patna three hours and 55 minutes later. The airline has not issued an official statement on the incident, but an automated response on social media assured that the matter would be thoroughly reviewed and necessary assistance would be provided to the affected passengers.
The incident has raised concerns about the airline’s maintenance and customer service standards. The fact that passengers were left to suffer in uncomfortable conditions for an extended period without adequate assistance has been widely criticized on social media. Air India has promised to look into the matter, but the incident has already damaged the airline’s reputation and raised questions about its ability to ensure passenger comfort and safety.
The viral video has sparked outrage and sympathy for the passengers who were affected by the air conditioning malfunction. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reliable and efficient customer service in the aviation industry. As the airline investigates the matter, it is essential for them to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that passengers receive the level of comfort and service they expect from a reputable airline like Air India.