Major Disruption: Air India Mumbai-Ahmedabad Flight Cancelled Due to Crew Duty Time Expiry

In an unexpected turn of events, an Air India Mumbai-Ahmedabad flight was cancelled late Sunday night after the crew reportedly exceeded their legally mandated duty time. The cancellation sparked frustration and confusion among passengers who had already faced hours of delay at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

Crew Exhaustion Forces Air India Mumbai-Ahmedabad Flight Cancelled Decision

The Air India flight, which was originally scheduled for departure on Sunday night, was significantly delayed due to operational issues. According to airline officials, by the time the flight was ready to depart, the crew had already reached the maximum duty time limit as per aviation safety regulations, leading to the flight being cancelled for safety compliance.

The Air India Mumbai-Ahmedabad flight cancelled news spread rapidly among stranded passengers and online, triggering debate on operational planning and passenger handling in such scenarios.

Passengers Left Stranded After Air India Mumbai-Ahmedabad Flight Cancelled

Many passengers took to social media to express their anger and inconvenience, sharing that they were not properly informed in advance. Some claimed they had already spent hours waiting at the airport before being told of the cancellation. Several travellers, including elderly and families with children, were reportedly left without immediate alternative arrangements.

A passenger stated, “We waited for hours with no food or clear updates. Suddenly we were told that the crew cannot fly due to duty restrictions. It’s unbelievable that a national carrier like Air India couldn’t manage this better.”

Airline Officials Respond to Air India Mumbai-Ahmedabad Flight Cancelled Incident

Responding to the backlash, Air India officials explained that safety rules prohibit crew members from exceeding a set number of work hours per shift, and the flight could not operate legally or safely under such circumstances.

An Air India spokesperson stated, “While we regret the inconvenience caused, passenger safety and regulatory compliance are our top priorities. We are working to reschedule affected passengers on the earliest available flights.”

Experts Weigh In on Why Air India Mumbai-Ahmedabad Flight Was Cancelled

Aviation industry experts noted that such incidents, while unfortunate, highlight the importance of efficient operational coordination, especially during peak travel hours or when delays are involved.

“Airlines must anticipate possible cascading delays and crew duty limitations. In this case, more proactive communication and standby crew could have possibly prevented the Air India Mumbai-Ahmedabad flight cancelled situation,” commented a senior aviation consultant.

Reactions on Ground and Online

As the Air India Mumbai-Ahmedabad flight cancelled news trended online, it opened broader discussions about passenger rights, compensation policies, and the effectiveness of Air India’s post-privatisation service quality.

Some netizens demanded refunds, while others questioned why airlines often let passengers board or wait without disclosing crew limitations in advance.

Next Steps for Affected Passengers

Air India has assured that all affected passengers are being accommodated on alternate flights and that meals, hotel stays, or refunds will be offered based on eligibility and ticket policies.

The airline has also launched an internal review to examine why the delay was not resolved before the crew duty time expired, leading to a full-scale cancellation.

Conclusion

The Air India Mumbai-Ahmedabad flight cancelled incident underscores the delicate balance airlines must maintain between operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. While safety must always be paramount, the need for transparent communication and better passenger support remains a crucial area for improvement.