In a significant disruption for passengers, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Bagdogra experienced a delay of over three hours at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi. The delay was attributed to a technical snag caused by the high ground temperatures.
The flight, which was initially scheduled to depart at 2:10 PM and arrive in Bagdogra, near Siliguri in West Bengal, at 4:10 PM, faced unexpected issues while parked on the tarmac. The intense heat led to technical difficulties, prompting the IndiGo crew to address the problem before ensuring a safe takeoff.
Passengers aboard the affected flight expressed their frustration and concern as the delay extended, with many turning to social media to voice their experiences. Online flight tracking platform FlightRadar24 confirmed the extended delay, showing the aircraft remained stationary on the tarmac at IGIA for an extended period.
After rigorous efforts by the technical team to resolve the snag, the flight eventually took off at 5:51 PM, approximately three hours later than its scheduled departure time. The extended wait on the tarmac under the sweltering Delhi heat added to the discomfort of the passengers, who had to endure the high temperatures while waiting for the issue to be resolved.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by airlines operating in extreme weather conditions. Technical snags, while not uncommon, are exacerbated by environmental factors such as high ground temperatures, which can impact the aircraft’s systems and delay scheduled operations.
IndiGo has apologized for the inconvenience caused to the passengers and assured that their teams are investigating the root cause of the technical snag to prevent such occurrences in the future. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and operational efficiency, noting that all necessary measures were taken to ensure the aircraft was fit for departure before takeoff.
As climate conditions become increasingly unpredictable, airlines may need to adopt more robust measures to address technical issues arising from extreme weather. The delay of the Delhi-Bagdogra flight serves as a reminder of the impact environmental factors can have on aviation operations and the importance of timely and effective responses to technical challenges.
Passengers affected by the delay are advised to contact IndiGo’s customer service for any assistance regarding missed connections or further travel arrangements. The airline has also assured passengers that they are working to provide the necessary support to those impacted by the delay.
Despite the inconvenience, the safe resolution of the technical snag and the subsequent departure of the flight underscore the airline’s priority of passenger safety over punctuality, a crucial balance in the aviation industry.
