Air India passengers faced significant travel disruptions on Thursday as a major network outage crippled the airline's check-in operations, causing chaos at airports across the country.
The technical breakdown, which originated from a third-party network provider, forced the airline to implement manual check-in procedures, leading to long queues and frustrated travelers at multiple airports.
System Restoration Underway
In an official statement, Air India confirmed that their systems are gradually being restored after the widespread outage. However, the airline cautioned passengers that the ripple effects of the disruption would continue to impact operations throughout the day.
'While our systems are being restored, flights continue to be impacted,' the airline stated in a social media post, acknowledging the ongoing challenges.
Passenger Advisory Issued
Air India has urged passengers to allocate extra time for airport procedures and to monitor their flight status closely. The airline specifically advised travelers to arrive at airports well in advance of their scheduled departures to account for potential delays.
The technical glitch affected multiple aspects of airline operations, including:
- Online check-in services
- Airport kiosk functionality
- Counter check-in processes
- Baggage handling systems
Industry-Wide Impact
This incident highlights the vulnerability of airline operations to technical failures, particularly when dependent on external service providers. The disruption comes at a time when air travel is experiencing a significant rebound post-pandemic, putting additional pressure on airline infrastructure.
Passengers have taken to social media to share their experiences, with many reporting extended wait times and confusion at airport terminals. Air India customer service representatives have been working to assist affected travelers and provide alternative solutions where possible.
The airline has assured passengers that they are working to normalize operations as quickly as possible and has apologized for the inconvenience caused by the technical failure.
