Recent times have seen multiple instances of aircraft malfunctions across India, resulting in flight cancellations and delays. The latest incident involved Air India flight AI 504, which was scheduled to depart from Kochi. The flight was canceled due to a technical problem, contributing to ongoing travel disruptions. Among those affected were passengers including Member of Parliament Hibi Eden.
The technical issue was confirmed by both airport authorities and Air India. Officials from Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) reported that the problem was identified during the takeoff roll. The pilot followed safety procedures, immediately halting the aircraft and returning it to the parking area.
Engineers inspected the aircraft post-incident and subsequently grounded the flight, leading to the cancellation of the Air India service.
Lok Sabha MP Hibi Eden, who was on the flight, shared his experience on X, describing an unusual situation where the plane seemed to skid on the runway without taking off. Air India canceled AI 504 and announced a new flight for 1 a.m., which had not started boarding, highlighting it was the third flight of the day to be grounded. Eden also discussed the extended wait time faced by passengers after the cancellation.
Rajya Sabha MP J.B. Mathar, also a passenger, noted the pilot’s announcement that the flight was not suitable for takeoff, adding that passengers were informed of a transfer to another aircraft, causing prolonged delays.
Air India issued an apology for the cancellation, stating that all passengers were safely deplaned and assisted by ground staff. The airline has not yet released the passenger count for the flight.