Air India Flight Faces AC Malfunction Amid Heatwave, Drawing Criticism
| 2025-05-19
Air India passengers endure hours without air conditioning during heatwave.
Air India Delhi-Patna flight left passengers without air conditioning for hours. Viral video by RJD spokesperson raises concerns over aviation standards in India.
Passengers on board an Air India flight from Delhi to Patna faced severe discomfort on Sunday after the aircraft remained grounded for hours without functioning air conditioning, amid sweltering heat conditions in northern India.
The incident gained widespread attention after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Rishi Mishra shared a video from inside the stationary aircraft. In the footage, visibly distressed passengers could be seen fanning themselves with newspapers, as the cabin temperature rose with no ventilation or airflow.
Viral video sparks public outrage
Mishra, a prominent political figure from Bihar, posted the video on Facebook, sharply criticising the airline's handling of the situation. "I am coming from Delhi to Patna on the 4 pm Air India flight. The aircraft has been on the ground for over an hour. Despite having so many passengers on board, the AC has not been turned on," he stated in the caption, originally in Hindi.
He further commented, "After charging such a heavy fare, this is what passengers receive. The aviation ministry and the government must take note of this misery."
According toThe New Indian Express, passengers were ultimately deboarded nearly four hours after boarding and moved to an alternate aircraft. By that time, the cabin had reportedly become extremely uncomfortable due to the lack of air circulation.
The incident quickly went viral on social media, prompting criticism from travellers and members of the public. As reported byIndiaTV News, passengers had remained seated inside the grounded aircraft for over an hour before any clear response was provided. Mishra later posted, "Everything is at God's mercy. There is no guarantee of passenger safety or comfort and the money is simply being looted."
He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, and other senior officials to take responsibility, stating they "should be ashamed."
Air India's limited response
Air India has not yet issued a detailed statement explaining the technical reasons behind the failure of the air conditioning system. However, in response to the viral video, the airline issued a general assurance.
According to a statement quoted byNews18, the airline said, "Please be assured that we highly value the comfort and safety of our customers, and this matter will be thoroughly reviewed. Additionally, our team has been notified to provide any necessary assistance."
Air India also responded to a related post on X, formerly Twitter, shared by an individual claiming to be Rishi Mishra's brother. The airline replied: "Dear Mr. Jha, thank you for bringing this to our attention. The flight has been delayed due to operational reasons. Please rest assured, our team has been notified to provide realtime assistance. Hope for your kind understanding."
Health and safety concerns during extreme heat
The incident occurred during an intense heatwave affecting northern India, including Delhi and Bihar. Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces can cause heat exhaustion and pose serious health risks, particularly for children, elderly passengers, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Aviation analysts have raised concerns about contingency planning and passenger welfare during operational delays. Speaking to local media, a former aviation official emphasised the importance of clear communication and emergency provisions in such scenarios, especially during extreme weather.
Growing scrutiny of aviation services in India
India’s aviation sector has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, with increasing domestic and international passenger traffic. However, the sector has also faced criticism over service standards, technical reliability, and passenger communication.
Air India, now under the ownership of the Tata Group following its acquisition from the Indian government in 2022, has pledged improvements in service quality and operational efficiency. The company is currently undergoing a broader modernisation drive, including fleet upgrades and rebranding efforts.
However, Sunday’s incident highlights ongoing challenges, particularly during high-demand travel periods and extreme weather events. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has not issued a comment on the matter at the time of writing.
Passengers and public figures have called for a formal inquiry into the delay and handling of the situation, underscoring the need for strengthened passenger rights and accountability in India's aviation sector.
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