Kozhikode bound AI express flight from Dubai delayed, passengers stranded inside jet for hours
Kozhikode: A Kozhikode bound Air India Express flight from Dubai was reportedly delayed, leaving passengers stranded inside the aircraft for 4 hours before being informed that their journey had been cancelled, reported Madhyama Online.
According to the report, the flight was slated to depart Dubai airport at 9:00 am, and began boarding around 8:15 am.
However, soon after boarding, passengers complained of escalating discomfort inside the cabin with no air-conditioning and little communication from the airline.
By 12:15 pm, passengers were finally asked to deboard. Videos circulating on social media show passengers fanning themselves with safety cards and trying to get relief by adjusting air vents and overhead fans. Around 1:00 pm, they were taken back to the terminal.
Quoting a spokesperson from Air India Express, Khaleej Times reported, “A technical snag was noticed on one of our aircraft, after boarding in Dubai. The aircraft’s air-conditioning system was fully functional, and an additional ground air-conditioning unit was also arranged. The systems were briefly switched off as per standard protocols while maintenance teams were working to resolve the issue.”
Air-Passengers’ Rights & Aviation Justice, Advocate Dr. P.A. Hameed Padubidri, commenting on the issue stated that “Welcome aboard AI Express-where passengers melt, not fly!”
He added, “Passengers aboard Flight IX-346 were left boiling inside the aircraft as the AC system completely failed. With outside temperatures nearing 40°C, the cabin became suffocating and unbearable.”
Dr. Hameed further stated,“Passengers, including children, the elderly, and those with medical needs, were forced to remain in suffocating conditions for over four hours, only to be informed later that the flight had been cancelled. The repeated failure of basic service standards is unacceptable.”
Dr. Hameed also pointed out that a similar incident occurred just three days earlier on Flight IX-196 from Dubai to Jaipur, calling it a disturbing pattern of negligence. “These are no longer isolated technical glitches. They pose a serious threat to passenger health, dignity, and safety. The DGCA must intervene immediately and take strict action. ‘Force Majeure’ cannot be invoked in every instance, TATA Group and Air India Express must take note. Passengers deserve dignity, not distress,” he stated.
Meanwhile, a separate Air India Express flight, IX‑523 from Thiruvananthapuram to Abu Dhabi, also faced delays. Scheduled for a 1:15 PM departure, it finally took off at 2:40 PM. As of Friday afternoon, the airline has not announced any compensation or alternative arrangements for affected passengers.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Yenepoya University conducts autism awareness campaign in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The Department of Occupational Therapy at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) conducted a community-based Autism Awareness Campaign at Fiza Mall and Ullal Beach in the city.
The campaign was aimed at promoting awareness, inclusion, and early identification of autism, in line with the global theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.”
The programme was led by Dr. Dhayanithi K and Dr. Ananya Jana as organising chairpersons, with Dr. Anas, Dr. Amanda S. Phillip, and Dr. Ansu V. David served as organising members.
Students of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programme participated in conducting the campaign.
The event included activities such as flash mobs, street plays, face painting, mehendi, and direct interaction with the public.
These activities focused on highlighting early signs of autism, the need for early intervention, and the importance of inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism.
The campaign reached around 300 to 500 members of the public. It also provided students with practical exposure to community-based rehabilitation and public health education.
As part of the initiative, QR-based digital resources were introduced to help the public access reliable information on autism.
“Awareness is the first step towards inclusion, and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes,” the organising team said.
The department thanked the university for its support in organising the campaign. It also acknowledged the cooperation of the management of Fiza Mall and the Ullal Beach Police Department in facilitating the event.
