Passengers Face Seven-Hour Delay on Akasa Air Mumbai-Goa Flight
A routine flight from Mumbai to Goa turned into a significant delay for over 100 passengers on Akasa Air’s QP 1301. Initially scheduled for a 50-minute journey, the flight experienced a seven-hour delay before finally taking off.
Details of the Incident
The flight was scheduled to depart from Mumbai’s Terminal 1 at 6 PM on a Sunday night. However, the departure time was first pushed to 6:25 PM and then further delayed to 8 PM. Passengers were made aware of these changes during check-in.
From Delays to Discontent
At 8:30 PM, the airline’s ground staff provided passengers with a snack box and a bottle of water. Unfortunately, they were then informed of yet another delay, this time until 9 PM, due to the first officer exceeding flight duty time limitations (FDTL).
- Initial Delay: 6 PM to 6:25 PM
- Second Delay: 6:25 PM to 8 PM
- Final Delay: 8 PM to 9 PM
As the night progressed, passengers expressed their frustration. Bharat Morpana, a passenger, stated there was no complimentary food service despite the extended wait. Additionally, many people, including those with young children, began to show signs of unrest.
Compounding Issues
Eventually, boarding began at 9 PM, but the aircraft did not take off until 10 PM. The plane taxied down the runway only to return to the terminal, adding to the discontent among passengers.
The challenge escalated when the pilot-in-command also exceeded his flying hours. Passengers remained in limbo until a new captain took over around 11:30 PM. However, by then, the cabin crew’s duty hours had also expired.
Flight Departure and Arrival
The flight finally departed around 12:30 AM and arrived at Manohar International Airport in Mopa at 1:30 AM. An Akasa Air spokesperson commented on the situation, confirming the delays and stating that all passengers were provided with refreshments and assistance during the extended wait.
This incident highlights the challenges that airlines face with scheduling and crew management, which can have significant implications for passengers.
