Air India Flight Grounded in Kolkata After Technical Issue: Major Disruption for Passengers

Kolkata, June 17: In a troubling development for domestic travelers, an Air India flight grounded at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Monday due to a sudden technical snag. All passengers were safely deplaned, but the incident led to a significant delay and discomfort for those on board, many of whom were traveling for business and personal commitments.

Technical Issue Forces Emergency Halt

According to initial reports, the aircraft was preparing for departure when the crew identified a critical technical fault. As a precautionary measure, the pilot decided not to proceed with the flight and requested immediate technical assistance. The decision to keep the Air India flight grounded was made to prioritize the safety of all passengers and crew.

Airport officials swiftly coordinated with Air India’s ground staff and maintenance team. The affected aircraft was moved to a remote bay for a thorough inspection. Technicians are currently evaluating the source of the issue.

Passengers Safely Deplaned and Rebooked

All passengers were deplaned without incident. While no injuries were reported, many travelers expressed frustration over the delay and the lack of immediate alternative arrangements. Several individuals had connecting flights or scheduled meetings, which were consequently disrupted.

An Air India spokesperson stated:
“Safety is our highest priority. We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers and are taking all necessary steps to resolve the issue. Passengers will be rebooked on alternative flights or provided with appropriate assistance.”

This incident marks another addition to the recent string of operational hurdles faced by the national carrier. However, the airline was quick to emphasize that grounding the flight was a proactive safety measure, not a failure of protocol.

Flight Safety and Passenger Experience Under Spotlight

While the quick and safe evacuation is being praised by aviation analysts, the fact that yet another Air India flight grounded due to technical reasons is likely to raise concerns among frequent flyers and aviation watchdogs.

Air India, now under Tata Group’s ownership, has been working to improve its operational efficiency, aircraft quality, and customer service. Despite these efforts, issues such as mechanical delays continue to pose challenges.

Industry observers believe this incident may prompt a review of older aircraft models in Air India’s fleet and lead to stronger maintenance audits. If not handled with urgency, such repeated disruptions could tarnish the airline’s brand revival strategy.

Travelers Urge for Better Communication and Compensation

Passengers caught in the disruption called for better communication from the airline. Some complained about being left without timely updates and suggested that real-time alerts and improved ground support could have made the experience less stressful.

Social media was soon flooded with posts, photos, and videos of stranded passengers, many tagging Air India in hopes of faster resolution. Although staff at the Kolkata airport remained calm and cooperative, the lack of immediate clarity on rebookings left many travelers uncertain.

Looking Ahead: Lessons and Response

This Air India flight grounded event, while resolved safely, serves as a reminder of the critical role of aircraft maintenance and passenger communication in modern aviation. For Air India, the challenge now lies in reinforcing public trust and demonstrating tangible steps toward fleet modernization.

Authorities have assured a full investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause and prevent similar occurrences in the future. For now, operations at Kolkata airport remain unaffected, and Air India has resumed its other scheduled services.