NEW DELHI: An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Bagdogra experienced a significant delay on Monday, with a four-hour postponement attributed to high ground temperatures causing technical issues. The flight, designated 6E 2521, was scheduled to depart from Delhi at 2:10 PM but did not take off until 6:15 PM, according to officials at Delhi Airport.
The incident began after the boarding of 165 passengers was completed, and the aircraft was pushed back from the gate. Shortly thereafter, the flight encountered a technical snag linked to the extreme ground temperatures, causing it to be stranded on a taxiway. Unable to move on its own, the aircraft had to be towed back to the parking bay by a tow tractor. An airport official detailed the sequence of events, stating, “After the technical issue was identified, the aircraft was returned to the parking bay for necessary inspections and repairs. Subsequently, the flight departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport at approximately 6:15 PM, bound for Bagdogra.”
In response to the delay, IndiGo issued a statement clarifying the circumstances: “Flight 6E 2521 from Delhi to Bagdogra was delayed due to high ground temperatures affecting operational capabilities. IndiGo prioritises passenger safety above all else and has taken steps to facilitate a prompt departure. Regular updates were provided to passengers, and we regret the inconvenience caused by factors beyond the airline’s control.” Passengers expressed their dissatisfaction on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting that the air conditioning system was turned off for nearly an hour while the aircraft was stuck on the taxiway. This situation caused considerable discomfort for those on board.
A video posted by CNBC-TV18 on X showed a frustrated passenger complaining about the non-operational air conditioning and the lack of communication from the crew. In the same video, another passenger shared a personal hardship, stating that his father’s last rites were scheduled for 6 PM, emphasising the urgency of reaching Bagdogra on time. The flight eventually landed at Bagdogra Airport at 7:53 PM, significantly later than the scheduled arrival time of 4:10 PM. The delay was exacerbated by Delhi’s ongoing heatwave, with temperatures consistently exceeding 40 degrees Celsius since May 13. On the day of the delay, temperatures at the Delhi Airport (Palam station) reached 46 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above normal.
