Mumbai, November 8 (Udaipur Kiran): An Air India flight from Mumbai to London (AI129) was delayed by nearly seven hours on Saturday after a technical issue was detected just before takeoff, leaving passengers stranded at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The flight, originally scheduled to depart early in the morning, was halted following pre-flight checks that revealed technical faults. According to passengers, the first announcement mentioned only a 30-minute delay. Boarding began around 6 a.m., but even after passengers were seated, the aircraft remained stationary for over an hour.
Later, the crew informed passengers that the flight could not proceed due to a technical malfunction. For safety reasons, all passengers were asked to deboard. Around 8:15 a.m., passengers were directed to exit the aircraft for another round of security and hand baggage screening, further extending the delay.
Many travelers expressed frustration over the prolonged wait, lack of rest, and uncertainty about the departure. Air India later announced a revised departure time of 1 p.m., stating that the aircraft was undergoing detailed technical inspection before being cleared for flight.
Air India officials confirmed that the aircraft was returned to the bay immediately after the suspected fault was detected. A spokesperson said, “Passenger safety is our top priority. A thorough maintenance check was carried out before rescheduling the flight.”
The airline also clarified that the crew had reached their mandatory duty time limits, making it temporarily impossible for them to continue operating the flight. Air India apologized for the inconvenience and said passengers were provided refreshments and meals in the airport lounge while ground staff assisted them throughout.
Reaffirming the airline’s commitment to safety and passenger comfort, the spokesperson added, “We are making every possible effort to ensure passengers reach their destination as soon as possible.”
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
