VASCO
A GoAir flight to New Delhi with about 42 passengers on board was delayed by over six hours at Dabolim Airport on Friday evening after the aircraft reportedly developed a technical snag.
According to sources, the flight which was scheduled to depart from Goa at 5.30 pm on Friday left for New Delhi only at around 11.30 pm.
“When the GoAir flight G8-285 developed minor technical snag, the aircraft was on the runway for almost 90 minutes before it was asked to return to the bay and the passengers were deplaned,” said the source.
The source added some passengers were seen confronting the officials of GoAir over the delay.
“Some passengers claimed they were upset because they were given different reasons for the delay, ranging from bad weather, refuelling and technical snag,” he said.
Some officials even blamed the pilot for taking the plane on the wrong runway. “Some passengers also complained they were not given basic food and milk for children who were travelling on board the flight.”
One passenger said they were only given two samosas by flight attendants, he said and added, “There was no clarity on the reason for the delay and the alternative arrangements.”
The source added that GoAir later released a statement, which read, “GoAir sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers. GoAir is committed to the highest degree of safety of passengers and its own crew members and the crew operated within the established guidelines to provide for safe travel.”
When contacted, Airport Director BCH Negi confirmed the incident, but added: “The flight wasn’t grounded but was delayed due to operational and technical reasons.”
