By Nayyar Azad
Ahmedabad: "I was supposed to reach Nepal via Delhi, but I've been stuck at Ahmedabad airport since afternoon. I'm yet to figure out how to find a quick solution? I have no idea when my flight will be available," an aggrieved passenger said as the agony writ large on his face. He was among several other distraught passengers running here and there in the hope of seeing an end to their ordeal.
A chaotic scene prevailed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad after the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight bound for London's Gatwick airport crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday. This led to multiple flight delays, leaving scores of passengers stranded and frustrated. While other airlines issued advisories to their passengers, Air India faced a surge of agitated passengers at the airport.
Families with children, elderly individuals, and women were among those affected, with some trying to reach Delhi and others stuck since the afternoon, awaiting flights. Despite assurances from Air India officials that arrangements were being made, passengers remained stuck for nearly 12 hours without any redress to their woes. The situation remained tense as passengers continued to demand answers and a swift solution to their problem.
Passengers Unleash Fury at Ahmedabad Airport
Numerous flights, including domestic as well as international flights, were indefinitely delayed. As a result, domestic and international passengers were visibly distressed.
12-Hour Wait Turns Frustrating for Passengers
Having waited for more than 12 hours without any updates, the passengers appeared increasingly agitated. While talking to ETV Bharat, some of the passengers, who witnessed the unruly scene at the airport, said, “ We’re not being given any information about the flights”.
They added that there were no facilities available and no clarity on when flights would be rescheduled. Many have been stuck at the airport since the afternoon with no end in sight.
Airport official admits delays
An airport official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that flights, mostly Air India flights, were delayed due to the plane crash. However, he assured us that the management was working hard to minimise passenger inconvenience, providing necessary facilities, and striving to resolve issues.
A passenger told ETV Bharat that while many others rescheduled their flights after the incident, he flew from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad and then to Ahmedabad without changing his plans. His reason was concern for his house, which is located near the plane crash site, as he wanted to reach there quickly to assess the damage.
Post midnight, Air India issued an official statement revealing that 241 of the 242 people aboard flight AI-171 were killed as it crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon. The plane hit a medical college building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among the leaders who expressed grief and condolences over the tragic incident.
