Air India San Francisco-Mumbai Flight Deplanes Passengers in Kolkata Due to Engine Snag
Passengers on Air India flight AI180 from San Francisco to Mumbai were deplaned in Kolkata during a scheduled halt early Tuesday due to a technical snag in its left engine. The issue was detected after the flight's timely arrival, leading to a takeoff delay. The captain announced the decision to deplane all passengers, citing flight safety as the primary concern, highlighting the airline's precautionary measures in response to the technical issue.
Unpacked:
The specific cause of the technical snag in the left engine has not been disclosed. Technical snags can result from various issues, such as mechanical faults, sensor errors, or routine wear and tear. Airlines and regulators typically investigate such incidents to determine the root cause and prevent future occurrences.
Technical issues on long-haul flights are relatively uncommon but not rare. Modern aircraft are designed with multiple safety and warning systems to detect potential problems early. When issues do arise, precautionary measures—like deplaning—are standard to ensure passenger safety, as demonstrated in this incident.
After deplaning due to a technical issue, passengers are usually provided with accommodation, meals, and assistance by the airline. They are rebooked on the next available flight once the aircraft is repaired or replaced. Airlines are required to prioritize passenger safety and comfort during such disruptions.
Yes, Air India recently faced a major safety incident when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed near Ahmedabad, raising concerns about the model's safety and prompting authorities to introduce stricter inspection and safety protocols for the fleet. This has led to increased scrutiny and enhanced safety measures for Air India's 787 operations.