Reports of aircraft experiencing mechanical issues have become increasingly frequent across India, leading to flight disruptions and inconvenience for travelers. In a recent event, Air India flight AI 504, which was set to depart from Kochi for Delhi, was canceled because of a technical issue. This incident added to the ongoing issues faced by air travelers. Among the passengers on the flight was Congress MP Hibi Eden.
The technical fault was confirmed by both airport officials and Air India. A spokesperson from Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) explained that the problem was discovered during the takeoff roll. The pilot followed safety protocols and immediately stopped the plane, returning it to the parking bay.
Following a thorough investigation by engineers at the airport, the flight was deemed unfit to fly, leading to the cancellation of the Air India service.
MP Hibi Eden, a passenger on the flight, shared his experience via social media platform X. He stated that the flight had an unusual feeling, as if it had skidded on the runway and had not yet taken off. Air India subsequently canceled the flight and announced a new flight at 1 a.m., which had not yet begun boarding, and it was the third flight grounded that day. The MP also described the extended wait passengers experienced after the flight was canceled.
Rajya Sabha MP J.B. Mathar, also on the flight, reported the pilot’s announcement that the aircraft was not ready to take off. Mathar noted that the pilot informed passengers that they would be moved to another aircraft, and this caused considerable delay.
Air India issued an apology for the cancellation, offering assurances that all passengers were safely taken off the plane and provided with assistance by ground staff. The number of passengers on the flight was not immediately available.