Pune: Vistara Passengers Stranded for Hours After Flight Cancellation Due to Technical Issue

Viman Nagar, 10th September 2024: Over 100 passengers of Vistara’s Pune-Singapore (UK-111) flight experienced a frustrating ordeal at Pune International Airport as the flight was repeatedly rescheduled and eventually canceled. The passengers, who were expecting to depart for Singapore in the early hours of Monday, spent hours at the airport, with some waiting nearly 13 hours before they could leave.

The flight was initially scheduled for takeoff at 2:10 AM on Monday and was supposed to land in Singapore by 8:10 AM (IST). However, the airline cited a technical problem with the aircraft as the reason for the delay and subsequent cancellation.

“Before takeoff, we detected a technical snag in the Vistara aircraft operating the Pune-Singapore route on September 9. Due to the complexity of the issue, the necessary checks took longer than expected, and our crew exceeded their duty time limits. Unfortunately, we were left with no option but to cancel the flight,” explained a Vistara spokesperson.

Vistara assured that steps were taken to minimize the disruption for passengers. “We offered refreshments, alternate flight arrangements, and refunds, where applicable. We deeply regret the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” the spokesperson added.

One of the affected passengers, Prakash Jakune from Baner, who was traveling for a business trip to Singapore, described the ordeal. “We had reached the airport by 10 PM on Sunday, as per the guidelines for international flights. Initially, we were told the flight was delayed and would depart by 2:40 AM,” Jakune shared.

However, the delays continued to mount. “First, the boarding time shifted from 3:15 AM to 3:35 AM, and then to 4:30 AM. The airline staff couldn’t provide us with clear information, and there were no refreshments offered. Finally, around 5:30 AM, we were allowed to board the aircraft,” Jakune recounted.

Despite boarding, the situation worsened. “After taxiing towards the runway, the plane abruptly stopped and returned to the parking area. We were kept inside the aircraft for another two hours. It wasn’t until 8 AM that we were offered refreshments, and shortly after, we were told to deboard as the flight was being canceled,” Jakune said.

The refund process proved equally slow and frustrating for the passengers. “It took nearly three more hours for me to get my refund. I was finally able to leave the airport around 11 AM, almost 13 hours after I first arrived,” Jakune added.