Akasa Air Passengers Endure Lengthy Delay in Pune Aircraft
Passengers aboard an Akasa Air flight from Kolkata to Pune faced significant inconvenience on Tuesday as they were forced to wait inside the aircraft for more than two hours after boarding. The flight, which departed Kolkata at 11:40 AM, eventually landed in Pune at 2:16 PM, but the extended delay sparked frustration among travelers.
Passenger Outcry Over Technical Issues
One passenger took to social media platform X to express their dismay, stating, "Boarded the flight at 9 AM but stranded inside the aircraft for almost 2 hours now in the name of technical issues. Don't airlines go through pre-flight inspections?" Another flyer suggested that such problems were recurring with this particular flight, hinting at systemic issues.
Akasa Air responded to the situation by posting messages of regret to affected passengers, citing operational reasons for the delay. The airline assured that it was taking all necessary steps to ensure passengers reached their destinations as quickly as possible, though specific details about the operational challenges were not disclosed.
Second Incident in Two Days Raises Concerns
This event marks the second flight-related hassle in Pune within a span of two days. On Monday, an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Pune executed an unexpected maneuver that alarmed passengers. The aircraft touched down but abruptly took off again, circling for approximately 20 minutes before landing safely.
A passenger on that flight reported, "The aircraft aborted the landing attempt after touchdown and took off again. Passengers were puzzled and concerned but calm. The pilot announced 8-10 minutes later [that there was a] possible landing gear issue." The flight had originally taken off from Bengaluru at 5:26 PM and landed in Pune around 6:50 PM, carrying over 150 passengers on an Airbus A-320.
Airline Response and Industry Context
IndiGo has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, airline sources downplayed technical concerns, explaining that the go-around was a pilot's decision based on situational factors. An official stated, "It was the pilot's decision to make a go-around due to some reasons. The flight landed in Pune on time and then flew to its onward destination on time too. At times, pilots, owing to several reasons, abort landing and make a go-around which is normal."
This series of incidents is not isolated in Pune's aviation history. In late February, an Air India Express flight from Indore experienced a rough landing in Pune, took off again, and landed safely after about half an hour. A similar event occurred in December with another Air India Express flight from Delhi, highlighting ongoing challenges in flight operations at the airport.
The consecutive disruptions have sparked discussions about airline reliability and passenger safety protocols. Travelers are increasingly vocal about the need for transparent communication and efficient problem-solving during such delays, as these incidents can cause significant stress and inconvenience.
