Air India cancelled the Bhubaneswar to Delhi flight AI500 on Sunday, citing technical issues. The airline cited abnormal cabin temperatures on the ground as the reason behind the cancellation. The issue was identified while the aircraft was still on the tarmac, preventing it from taking off.
"Flight AI500, scheduled to operate from Bhubaneswar to Delhi on 3 August, has been cancelled due to a technical issue causing high cabin temperature on the ground prior to the departure. Our airport team in Bhubaneswar is assisting the impacted passengers with alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination, Delhi. We regret the inconvenience caused", said the Air India Spokesperson, informing about the unexpected disruption.
Earlier, on July 31, the passengers of Air India flight AI2017, scheduled to fly from Delhi to London, experienced an unexpected delay after the aircraft aborted the takeoff and returned to the bay following a suspected technical issue.
According to a statement issued by an Air India spokesperson, the cockpit crew made the decision to discontinue the take-off run in accordance with standard operating procedures.
"Flight AI2017 operating from Delhi to London on 31 July returned to bay due to a suspected technical issue. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off run following standard operating procedures and brought the aircraft back for precautionary checks. An alternative aircraft is being deployed to fly the passengers to London at the earliest. Our ground staff is extending all support and care to the guests to minimise inconvenience caused due to this unexpected delay. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers remain the top priority," the official statement then stated.