Passengers of a VietJet flight bound for Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam experienced a frustrating ordeal as they were stranded at the city’s airport for approximately 10 hours due to a technical glitch in the aircraft. According to an anonymous passenger, the airline failed to provide accommodation or food despite the significant delay.
The passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the flight, identified as VJ-884 operating on the Mumbai-Ho Chi Minh City route, was scheduled to depart at 11:30 pm on Thursday. Passengers boarded the aircraft at 11 pm, but after an hour of waiting, they began to inquire about the delay. They were informed that there was a technical issue with the plane and that it would take some time to resolve before departure.
From 11:30 pm to 5 am, a span of approximately five and a half hours, the stranded passengers were not offered any food or water. The lack of provisions and information about an alternative flight to Ho Chi Minh City further exacerbated their frustration. The passenger who shared the account mentioned that they were intending to travel to Bali via Vietnam on the affected flight.
Eventually, at around 7 am, the passengers were deplaned and brought back to the immigration area. However, clarity regarding the arrangement of an alternative flight to their destination was still lacking at the time of the report.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has established regulations requiring airlines to provide accommodation and food to passengers if a flight experiences a significant delay. In this case, it appears that the airline did not fulfill its obligations under these regulations.
Flight disruptions and technical glitches are unfortunate incidents that can occur in the aviation industry. However, airlines are expected to prioritize passenger welfare and address such situations with appropriate measures. This includes timely communication, necessary assistance, and the provision of basic amenities to alleviate inconvenience and discomfort for passengers affected by delays or cancellations.
Instances like this highlight the importance of robust customer service and adherence to regulations by airlines. The stranded passengers’ experience raises concerns about VietJet’s handling of the situation and their failure to meet the expectations set by aviation authorities. The airline may face scrutiny and potential repercussions for their alleged neglect of passenger well-being.
As the incident gains attention, the airline must address the complaints raised by the affected passengers promptly. Ensuring proper compensation, apology, and taking corrective measures can help rebuild trust and prevent similar occurrences in the future.