Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Air 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.

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.