Havoc broke out at Birsa Munda Airport on Sunday evening because an Air India Express flight, which was scheduled to depart for Delhi, was suddenly cancelled due to a technical fault. This led to a state of confusion and frustration on the side of the passengers, most of whom were stranded with no other way to move, or even because no information about the developments was provided to them by the airline representatives.
It was a planned evening flight, but an hour before take-off, a technical error had been identified after carrying out the regular pre-flight check. The aeroplane was grounded as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers. Although this was the only decision given under the guiding safety consideration, it caused a lot of anguish to the passengers who had to assemble inside the airport terminal.
There were eyewitnesses who told of heated debates between passengers and airline employees at the gates of departure. Some passengers were angry because of insufficient directions and delays in securing alternative flights or booking hotels. There were also passengers who had connecting international flights to take off, an important medical appointment or were on a business commitment in Delhi, and this added to the inconvenience.
Even though the airline promised all the affected passengers that complete refunds or rescheduling of their flights would be available, the arrangements did not agree. There are cases where some passengers stated that they were rebooked on flights the following day, whilst others would be requested to make their own travel arrangements or wait indefinitely. Some of them received the opportunity to stay in hotels, yet there were not many, as the given disturbance was not prepared.
To the worries at the airport, there was even a part of the boundary wall on the southern side of the premises that collapsed earlier in the day, when the rainfall was heavy. Although the collapse of the wall did not affect the flight activities in a direct way, it has created doubts regarding the structural competence of the airport and its preparedness in handling monsoon activities. A better form of security was provided to the concerned area, and CISF personnel were also deployed in greater numbers to avoid illegal entry and provide security to the commuters.
Complimentary services, the airport authorities added, are in the process of repairing the boundary wall, and this does not threaten the movement of people within the terminal. In the meantime, the technical team of Air India Express started investigating the problem of the aircraft to identify the cause and also make sure that the issue is completely resolved, then only the aircraft is allowed to fly in the future.
This accident has given special attention to the value of early technical upkeep, live interaction with the passengers and improved synchronisation amid commuter obstacles. Although flight cancellations under the pretext of safety are inevitable in some instances, the way it is communicated might greatly affect the experience of their passengers.
Currently, normal activities in the Ranchi Airport are operational except for the grounded aircraft. To avoid late arrival at the airport, passengers have been warned to review their travel plans before arriving at the airport, and keep in touch with the airlines, especially during this monsoon season, which is erratic.
The event also acts as a reminder of how aviation-related safety is complicated and that good contingency planning must be put in place in case of any untoward technical eventuality.
