Mumbai-Dubai Air India flight delayed 5 hours, passengers protest onboard
Dubai: Passengers on a Dubai-bound Air India flight (A1909) from Mumbai had a harrowing experience when the flight was delayed for five hours, leaving them stranded onboard.
Media reports indicate that the flight, initially scheduled to depart Mumbai at 8:25am (IST) and arrive in Dubai at 10:15am (GST), was delayed due to technical issues with the Air India 787-8 aircraft.
It finally took off from Mumbai at 5:10pm (IST) and landed in Dubai at 6:29pm (GST), as per FlightRadar24 data.
According to a report in the Financial Express , as the cabin temperature rose, many passengers began to feel suffocated, with some reportedly struggling to breathe due to the lack of air conditioning.
The passengers also criticised the captain for not addressing the situation directly. Remaining in the cockpit, the captain left passengers frustrated. The crew offered no immediate relief, and it was only after passengers demanded to deboard that the gates were eventually opened, the report said.
A video shared by a passenger onboard captures the passengers' frustration. In the video, passengers demand updates and ask to be let off the plane. One passenger can be heard saying, 'We don't trust you,' while another demands, 'Open the door.' The captain, addressing the situation via intercom, explains, 'Airplane jack needs to be connected, please understand.'
The viral video quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread criticism of Air India. Passengers echoed similar grievances, with one user recounting a delayed flight without food and another highlighting luggage mismanagement. 'I sometimes feel bad for not choosing Air India, but incidents like these remind me why,' one social media user commented.
A passenger on the flight shared the ordeal on Instagram, calling it a 'horrible experience.' They described being trapped onboard for over five hours without air conditioning, with relief only provided after protests forced the crew to open the gates and allow deboarding.
Concerns about passenger safety
The incident has raised concerns about how flight delays are managed and the impact on passenger safety. Many are questioning the airline's accountability, especially with Air India under the management of the Tata Group. Passengers are calling for improved measures to ensure such a distressing and unsafe experience is never repeated.
Air India faces growing pressure
Air India has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but it will likely face increasing pressure to address the situation and reassure the public about its commitment to passenger welfare and safety.
A similar incident involving IndiGo occurred earlier this month, drawing criticism for their handling of a delayed flight. A passenger posted a video on social media depicting a heated exchange with the crew, whom he described as "extremely uncooperative and rude," and the service as "appalling."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
5 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE residents plan holidays around sporting events, Hyatt survey finds
Forty-five per cent of UAE residents would plan an entire holiday around a sporting event, a new report finds. The research, conducted by Perspectus Global during March 2025 among 2,100 UAE respondents, found that individuals plan to participate in an average of 12 sporting activities and attend seven events as spectators over the next year. UAE sports travel boom According to the survey commissioned by Hyatt, 45 per cent of UAE residents say attending live sporting events is one of life's pleasures, and 30 per cent would travel thousands of miles to experience an event. Additionally, 27 per cent say they would pay a premium to stay in a hotel that enhances their event experience, from location and amenities to atmosphere. Football remains the most travelled-for sport at 52 per cent, but interest in cricket (29 per cent), cycling (28 per cent), swimming (27 per cent), and bodybuilding (21 per cent) reflects a sports culture across the region. Stephen Ansell, Managing Director Middle East and Africa, Hyatt, said: 'Sports-tripping is reaching fever pitch, and we are increasingly seeing more travellers, with a passion for building their holidays around watching live sporting events, stay in Hyatt properties. Whether people are discovering a new destination, or revisiting a firm favourite, travelling to watch sporting events offers the perfect opportunity for fans to enjoy a unique event as well as the wider experiences a city has to offer.' The survey found that 52 per cent of respondents say proximity to sports venues is a factor when booking a hotel, whilst 30 per cent are inspired to stay in hotels frequented by athletes or sports teams. One in three value onsite facilities or access to fan zones. Hyatt has observed a shift across its regional properties, where travel is centred around sporting events. Travellers seek stays that support their performance and well-being, from proximity to venues and recovery facilities, to nutrition dining and spaces designed to support performance. F1, football fuel UAE's hotel boom Events like Formula 1 and football fixtures have driven occupancy levels across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, indicating that sport has become part of the region's identity. The desire to travel extends beyond the spectator experience. Two in five UAE residents say they love travelling to take part in competitive sports. For many, these trips are about personal health and fulfilment as much as competition. Whether it's maintaining fitness routines (40 per cent), developing discipline (33 per cent) or spending time with family and friends, these journeys help people redefine what it means to relax. Travellers blend movement with meaning, creating holidays where sport, well-being, and connection intersect. The mindset influences business travel. 42 per cent of UAE respondents say the ability to practise sport during a work trip is an incentive, and 40 per cent try to combine attendance or participation in sporting events with business schedules. Whether it's squeezing in a morning swim, catching a match after meetings, or joining a cycling group between conferences, professionals aren't abandoning their well-being goals whilst travelling, the report said.
Arabian Business
5 hours ago
- Arabian Business
OMNIYAT acquires Marasi Bay Island and unveils Dubai's first beach club in Burj Khalifa district
OMNIYAT, Dubai's leading ultra-luxury real estate developer, has acquired Marasi Bay Island in the prestigious Burj Khalifa District, marking a significant expansion of its waterfront ecosystem that will feature the district's first beach club alongside exclusive leisure and wellness experiences. The acquisition forms part of OMNIYAT's broader vision to transform Marasi Bay into Dubai's premier ultra-luxury waterfront destination, seamlessly blending high-end residential living, premium commercial spaces, five-star hospitality, and wellness offerings. The development enjoys strategic connectivity to Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, DIFC, D3 Design District, and Dubai International Airport. Beyond the island acquisition, OMNIYAT has unveiled an extensive array of amenities along Marasi Bay's south side, designed to create a resort-style environment that connects urban living with maritime experiences. The Marasi Bay Marina, operated by OMNIYAT, will accommodate superyachts and feature an exclusive Yacht Club, complete with tender boat services and jetty lounges serving both boat owners and guests of The Lana Hotel. A standout feature is the Signature Pavilion, a 10,000-square-foot retail and events space positioned over the water, complemented by a waterfront promenade that combines public access areas with resident-exclusive facilities including padel courts, children's play areas, running tracks, and an art trail. Exclusive to OMNIYAT residents, Sunset Park represents a unique 30,000-square-foot private floating island that serves as the development's green heart. The facility offers comprehensive wellness and leisure amenities including picnic lawns, private dining spaces with chef's kitchen and BBQ facilities, flexible indoor areas for work and events, and specialised zones such as sensory and meditation gardens, yoga terraces, and a dedicated dog park. Architectural excellence and residential offerings The development's residential portfolio is anchored by VELA Viento, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, a 180-meter tower designed by internationally acclaimed architects Foster + Partners. The building houses 95 exceptional residences featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, and the waterfront. Residences feature expansive terraces that blur indoor-outdoor living boundaries, with select units offering terrace pools, double-height spaces, and suspended dining rooms. Interior design by Gilles & Boissier ensures elegant, fully furnished homes with private lift lobbies, while select residents can opt for Banda Studio-designed interiors for the Horizon Residences. The tower's Sky Amenities Deck, positioned over 100 meters high, features an infinity pool, double-height gym, yoga studio, and lounges, complemented by ground-level amenities including indoor pools, spa facilities, meeting spaces, and direct promenade access. OMNIYAT's Marasi Bay vision has already achieved significant milestones with The Lana Hotel and Residences, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, which opened in Q1 2024. Designed by Foster + Partners, The Lana represents Dorchester Collection's first Middle East property and houses the region's first Dior Spa. The development made headlines in May 2024 when The Lana Residences penthouse set new price records as the most expensive property sold in the Burj Khalifa District. The ecosystem will be further enhanced by ENARA by OMNIYAT, an ultra-luxury office tower scheduled for completion in 2027. This standalone commercial building will cater to the global business elite, offering luxury office spaces with direct promenade access and outdoor wellness facilities, seamlessly connected to the broader Marasi Bay development via promenade and jetty services. Strategic vision Commenting on the acquisition, Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT said, 'In a re-imagined approach to urban living, we are reshaping Marasi Bay into Dubai's definitive ultra-luxury waterfront destination. Marasi Bay Island is another jewel in its crown, complementing this luxurious ecosystem with exceptional waterfront experiences.' Amjad highlighted the development's role in transforming a former commercial district into 'a highly desirable, vibrant and extraordinary UNHW community,' positioning Marasi Bay as 'the ultimate celebration of waterfront living' that leverages Dubai's continued growth momentum and OMNIYAT's commitment to luxury redefinition. The Marasi Bay development represents OMNIYAT's broader strategy to create integrated lifestyle ecosystems that combine world-class amenities with strategic location prestigious districts.
Arabian Business
5 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Hala Taxi customers save $4.08mn through Careem Plus subscriptions
Hala taxi customers have saved AED 15 million on rides through the Careem Plus subscription programme over four years, the company announced on June 9, 2025. The savings reflect growing consumer interest in value-led mobility solutions, driven by rising demand for cost efficiency and convenience in urban transport. Hala, Dubai's e-hailing taxi solution and a joint venture between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem, operates through the Careem Plus subscription programme which costs AED 19 per month. Careem Plus delivers savings Every month, thousands of Hala users subscribe to Careem Plus, typically saving more than 15 times the AED 19 subscription fee per month. Members receive 10 per cent instant cashback on every Hala ride, credited directly to their Careem wallet. The average Hala rider subscribed to Careem Plus receives AED 40 back each month just on Hala trips, with total monthly savings across Careem's services averaging over AED 300. Careem Plus members typically save over AED 300 per month, with the most users saving over AED 1,000 monthly. 'We are pleased to see such strong engagement with Careem Plus among Hala riders. The consistent growth in usage demonstrates that customers value the tangible savings and simplicity that the programme provides. As part of our commitment to supporting urban mobility in Dubai, we will continue to enhance the user experience through offerings that are accessible, practical, and genuinely rewarding,' Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala said. Careem Plus is integrated into the Careem 'Everything App' and provides members with benefits across multiple services for a monthly fee of AED 19. In addition to cashback on Hala and Careem Rides, members enjoy free delivery on food and grocery orders, rates on international money transfers, and discounts on dining bills, home cleaning, laundry, Careem Bike, and more. The programme offers cross-category value while reinforcing Careem's position as the region's multi-service digital platform. Hala leverages Careem's ride-hailing technology and the local knowledge of the RTA to provide rides across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. The service is booked through the Careem app. Careem operates in over 70 cities across 10 countries, from Morocco to Pakistan. Since 2012, Careem has created earning opportunities for over 3.5 million Captains, simplified the lives of over 75 million customers, and built a platform for the region's talent to thrive and for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses.
