Air India chaos leaves 170 passengers stranded, sparks protest at Bengaluru airport

Repeated flight failures force 30+ hours of waiting, return without reaching Kathmandu triggers massive passenger outrage

A long-awaited Nepal vacation turned into a distressing ordeal for more than 170 passengers after repeated operational failures by Air India disrupted their journey, forcing them to return to Bengaluru without ever reaching Kathmandu. The incident triggered angry protests at Kempegowda International Airport, with passengers accusing the airline of severe mismanagement.

The ordeal began on Friday morning when a flight carrying around 170 travellers departed Bengaluru at 10:30 am, bound for Kathmandu. However, the aircraft failed to land in the Nepal capital and was forced to return. By late night, the flight landed back in Bengaluru, leaving passengers confused and exhausted.

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On Saturday, the airline attempted the journey again. This time, the aircraft flew towards Kathmandu but diverted and landed in Lucknow instead. Shockingly, even during this second attempt, the flight could not proceed to Kathmandu and was forced to return once again. Passengers were made to remain seated inside the aircraft at Lucknow airport for several hours, causing extreme fatigue and discomfort.

Many travellers said they had spent over 30 continuous hours inside aircraft cabins and airports without clarity, proper communication, or adequate facilities. As frustration peaked, passengers began protesting inside the terminal. Eventually, the flight was directed back to Bengaluru.

Upon landing, outraged travellers staged a sit-in protest at the immigration area of Kempegowda International Airport. Several passengers sat on the floor, blocking movement, and raised slogans against Air India. They accused the airline of wasting two full days, causing emotional distress, financial loss, and ruining their holiday plans.

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Security personnel from CISF attempted to calm the protesters and disperse the gathering. However, angry passengers refused to leave, demanding clear answers and accountability. Many said they had planned the Nepal trip for several days, invested significant money, and now faced total cancellation of their vacation.

Among the affected were over 40 Kannada-speaking travellers, who expressed deep disappointment over the airline’s repeated failures. They alleged poor coordination, lack of transparency, and negligence in flight planning.

Passengers questioned how an international flight could fail twice to reach its destination, forcing hundreds of people into physical and mental exhaustion. They demanded compensation, refunds, and strict action against those responsible.

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As of now, Air India has not issued a detailed official explanation. Meanwhile, airport authorities are monitoring the situation, and passenger grievances are being formally recorded.