In Kasaragod, approximately 180 travelers on an Air India (AI) flight found themselves marooned within the aircraft for several hours late last night subsequent to its unexpected touchdown in Mangalore rather than Kozhikode due to adverse atmospheric conditions.
AI’s flight IX 376 originating from Doha was slated for arrival in Kozhikode around 7:30 pm, but instead executed a descent in Mangalore at approximately 9:30 pm.
Complaints arose among passengers regarding the lack of prior notification regarding the alteration in landing destination, accompanied by a dearth of elucidation on the circumstances. They voiced their dismay at being ensnared within the aircraft, causing considerable discomfort to passengers, notably including children, expectant mothers, and ailing individuals.
Moreover, passengers lamented the adverse health repercussions stemming from prolonged confinement within the aircraft. “Without warning, the trajectory of our descent was altered. We were plunged into obscurity, bereft of any elucidation from either the crew or airline personnel regarding the rationale behind this deviation,” lamented one traveler.
Conversely, AI authorities attributed the diversion of landing from Kozhikode to Mangalore to the unfavorable meteorological conditions. The conditions were deemed unsuitable for landing at Kozhikode, necessitating the rerouting of the aircraft initially to Kannur and subsequently to Mangalore, culminating in a safe touchdown.
Allegations have also surfaced from passengers regarding the lack of provision of sustenance or other amenities despite the extended delay.
