• Source:JND
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Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule lashed out at Air India over a more than three-hour delay on her Delhi-Pune flight, saying such disruptions were “becoming the norm” and demanded intervention from the Centre. The flight, AI 2971, left passengers stranded with no clear updates or assistance from the airline, sparking criticism of its growing inefficiency.

“Travelling from Delhi to Pune on @airindia flight AI 2971. The flight is delayed by over 3 hours — no clear communication, no updates, no assistance and very bad service," Sule posted on X, calling out the national carrier for poor service and leaving travellers “stranded and helpless.”

She further urged Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to hold the airline accountable. “This apathy is unacceptable,” she added, warning that Air India's repeated lapses were causing serious inconvenience to flyers.

The backlash comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny of airline safety and reliability following the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash last week that claimed 270 lives, including 29 people on the ground. The government has already launched an investigation into the incident, amid growing public concern.

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Responding promptly, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu acknowledged Sule’s concerns and assured action. “@supriya_sule ji, I’ve spoken to the airline and airport authorities. They’ve been asked to urgently address the concerns of all affected passengers,” he wrote on X.

Air India, too, responded to Sule’s complaint, expressing regret over the incident. “Dear Honourable Minister, we acknowledge your concern. Our colleagues are addressing the issue. All impacted passengers are being assisted. We regret the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen delay,” the airline posted.

Later, in a detailed statement, Air India clarified that the disruption was due to severe weather conditions in Delhi, which had affected multiple flight operations.

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“Dear Ma’am, due to adverse weather conditions in Delhi, flight operations have been significantly impacted. This includes diversions and airborne holding for several flights. Please be assured that our teams are fully engaged in assisting all affected customers. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused,” the airline added.

The incident comes amid a turbulent period for the airline, which is grappling with operational challenges post the Ahmedabad crash. In recent days, Air India has faced multiple technical issues, delays, and precautionary flight returns. It has also grounded several Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft for checks, leading to the cancellation of seven international services.