Why Did Air India Cancel the Singapore-Chennai Flight?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Air India recently faced flight cancellations due to technical issues, including a significant disruption of an Airbus A321 from Singapore to Chennai. The airline is committed to passenger comfort during these challenges, offering refunds and accommodations. This comes in the wake of recent safety audits revealing critical lapses, prompting urgent attention from aviation authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Air India cancelled a flight due to a technical issue.
- Passengers are offered accommodation and refunds.
- Recent audits flagged safety lapses at the airline.
- Alternative arrangements are being made for affected customers.
- Air India aims to minimize passenger inconvenience.
New Delhi, Aug 3 (NationPress) Air India has announced the cancellation of its flight from Singapore to Chennai on Sunday due to a technical issue encountered by the Airbus A321 aircraft operating the route.
According to a statement by Air India, the flight AI349 was cancelled as a maintenance requirement was identified before take-off, necessitating additional time for resolution.
"We are making arrangements to ensure passengers reach Chennai as quickly as possible. Hotel accommodations will be provided, and passengers will have the option for full refunds or complimentary rescheduling based on their needs," the statement added.
Furthermore, Air India’s ground personnel in Singapore are dedicated to minimizing the inconvenience faced by passengers due to this unexpected disruption.
This cancellation is part of a recent trend of disruptions affecting Air India flights.
Just on Friday, an Air India flight from London to Delhi faced a delay of over 11 hours, causing passengers to be stranded at the airport. Originally set to depart around 8:35 p.m. on August 1, it was postponed to the following day.
Additionally, a flight from Delhi to London was forced to return to the bay on Thursday after the cockpit crew detected a possible technical fault prior to take-off.
The flight, identified as AI-2017, was in the process of departing when the pilots halted the operation to conduct checks.
"Flight AI-2017, scheduled from Delhi to London on July 31, returned to the bay due to a suspected technical issue. Following standard operating procedures, the cockpit crew decided to abort the take-off and brought the aircraft back for precautionary checks," the airline stated.
Air India confirmed that all required safety measures were observed and that an alternative aircraft was arranged to ensure timely travel for the passengers to London.
These incidents arise shortly after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) identified 51 safety lapses at Air India during its annual review.
Among these lapses were outdated training manuals, incomplete pilot training, unqualified simulators, and irregularities concerning low-visibility operation approvals.
Of these issues, seven were marked as critical Level I violations, which the airline was instructed to rectify by July 30, while the remaining 44 non-compliances must be addressed by August 23.
The DGCA’s actions followed recent enforcement measures, including the grounding of an Air India aircraft that was found to have an overdue inspection of its emergency slide, a vital safety component.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the balance between operational challenges faced by airlines and the unwavering commitment to passenger safety. Air India's recent cancellations reflect broader issues requiring immediate attention, ensuring public confidence in air travel remains intact.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Air India to cancel its Singapore-Chennai flight?
The flight was cancelled due to a technical snag identified in the Airbus A321 aircraft before departure.
What arrangements are made for affected passengers?
Air India is providing hotel accommodations, full refunds, and complimentary rescheduling options for passengers.
How long was the London-Delhi flight delayed?
The London-Delhi flight was delayed by more than 11 hours.
What safety issues were flagged by the DGCA at Air India?
The DGCA identified 51 safety lapses, including outdated training manuals and incomplete pilot training.
What action does the DGCA require from Air India?
Air India must rectify critical lapses by July 30 and address remaining non-compliances by August 23.
