Why Did Air India Cancel the Delhi-Washington Flight?
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Synopsis
In a recent incident, Air India flight AI 103 from Delhi to Washington, D.C. faced cancellation due to a technical snag during a fuel stop in Vienna. Passengers were affected, leading to rebookings and accommodations. Explore the full story behind this disruption and the airline's response.
Key Takeaways
- Air India flight AI 103 was cancelled due to a technical issue.
- Passengers have been rebooked or offered refunds.
- Accommodations are provided to eligible passengers in Vienna.
- Multiple recent cancellations have raised concerns.
- Air India emphasizes safety as a priority.
New Delhi, July 3 (NationPress) A flight from Air India, AI 103, scheduled to travel from Delhi to Washington, D.C., was cancelled due to a technical issue encountered during a fuel stop in Vienna, as announced by the airline on Thursday.
The flight, which departed at 12:45 a.m. on Wednesday, was set to arrive in Washington at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, but was cancelled in Vienna.
As a result, flight AI 104, operating from Washington, D.C. to Delhi via Vienna, was also cancelled.
The airline's statement confirmed that affected passengers have been rebooked on alternative flights to Delhi or have been offered full refunds according to their preferences.
“Flight AI 103 from Delhi to Washington, D.C. on July 2, 2025, made a planned fuel stop in Vienna. During routine aircraft checks, an extended maintenance task was identified, necessitating rectification before the next flight and requiring additional time for completion,” stated an Air India spokesperson.
Due to this situation, the leg from Vienna to Washington, D.C. was cancelled, and passengers were disembarked.
“Passengers eligible for visa-free entry or those holding valid Schengen visas were provided hotel accommodations in Vienna until the next available flight. For those lacking entry permission, accommodations are being arranged pending immigration and security clearances by Austrian authorities,” added the airline.
The airline expressed that it “deeply regrets the inconvenience caused and remains committed to prioritizing the safety of all passengers and crew.”
In recent days, there have been multiple cancellations of Air India flights due to technical issues.
In another incident, Air India flight AI 357, traveling from Japan to Delhi, made a precautionary diversion to Kolkata due to persistent warm temperatures reported in the cabin. The Boeing 787 aircraft landed safely and is currently under inspection, according to the airline.
Flight AI 357 was en route from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to New Delhi when the crew detected the technical issue.
On June 27, Air India flight AI 639 from Mumbai to Chennai was compelled to return to Mumbai shortly after takeoff due to the crew detecting a burning smell inside the cabin.
Air India and Air India Express together operate over 1,100 flights daily, serving more than 150,000 passengers.
Point of View
It's our duty to report on the challenges faced by airlines and their passengers. This incident highlights the critical importance of safety in aviation. While Air India has taken steps to accommodate its passengers, ongoing technical issues raise questions about operational reliability that demand attention and transparency.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the cancellation of Air India flight AI 103?
The cancellation was due to a technical snag identified during a routine check at the fuel stop in Vienna.
How are affected passengers being managed?
Affected passengers have been rebooked on alternative flights to Delhi or are being offered full refunds based on their preferences.
What accommodations are being provided to passengers in Vienna?
Passengers eligible for visa-free entry or holding valid Schengen visas have been provided hotel accommodations until the next available flight.
Are there other recent cancellations by Air India?
Yes, there have been several recent cancellations due to technical issues affecting various flights.
What is Air India's commitment to passenger safety?
Air India has expressed deep regret over the inconvenience and is committed to prioritizing the safety of all passengers and crew.
