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India Express Faces Criticism Over Mid-Flight AC Failure, Passenger Distress

The airline has issued an apology after passengers on a DelhiBhubaneswar flight endured extreme heat for nearly two hours due to an air conditioning malfunction.

Passengers on an Air India Express flight experienced extreme discomfort due to ineffective air conditioning
Man posts pics of 'unbearable experience' on Air India Express flight after AC failure

Overview

  • Passengers on Air India Express flight IX-1128 from Delhi to Bhubaneswar experienced severe discomfort on May 11, 2025, after the air conditioning failed mid-flight for nearly two hours.
  • One passenger reportedly faced serious health issues due to the extreme heat, while others resorted to removing their shirts and fanning themselves with magazines to cope.
  • A LinkedIn post by passenger Tusharkant Rout, which included photos of distressed passengers, brought widespread attention to the incident and went viral online.
  • Air India Express apologized, attributing the discomfort to operational constraints during boarding and taxiing, while asserting that the AC system was fully functional after takeoff.
  • The incident has reignited concerns over the airline's maintenance protocols, with passengers and aviation authorities calling for stricter safety checks and accountability measures.