KERELA: An Air India Express flight with 174 passengers onboard, including the crew, departed from Thiruvananthapuram airport to Dubai. However, barely a couple of hours into the journey, the aircraft faced an unexpected issue with its air conditioning system, prompting the flight to return to its origin. Flight number IX 539, which took off at 1.19 PM, landed back safely at 3.52 PM, according to airport officials.
A spokesperson for Thiruvananthapuram Airport confirmed that all passengers and crew members were unharmed during the incident. As a precautionary measure, a local standby was declared while the situation was assessed and resolved. The official attributed the return to an air conditioning issue, which had caused discomfort to passengers.
Despite the inconvenience, the airline swiftly responded to the situation and made arrangements for another flight to transport the passengers to their destination. Passengers were expected to depart within an hour on the alternative flight provided by the airline.
This occurrence follows a recent incident involving an Air India flight on the Udaipur-Delhi route. The flight AI 470 faced an hour-long delay after a passenger raised concerns, leading to a thorough inspection of the aircraft. The airline official confirmed that there were no actual problems, and the flight had safely landed at Delhi Airport.
While the specific details surrounding the development of the air conditioning issue are yet to be fully ascertained, some reports suggest that a power bank used by a passenger for charging may have been linked to the problem.
Airline authorities and airport officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Investigations into the exact cause of the air conditioning malfunction are underway, and necessary measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident involving the Air India Express flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai highlights the importance of prompt and efficient responses to technical issues in flight operations. Despite the inconvenience faced by passengers, the airline's quick actions to arrange an alternative flight ensured that their journey continued with minimal disruption. Safety remains the top priority for airlines, and thorough investigations will shed light on the root cause of the air conditioning problem, aiding in the prevention of similar occurrences.
ALSO WATCH: