Hyderabad to Hanoi Flight Canceled After 10-Hour Delay as Passengers Protest at Shamshabad Airport
Passengers at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) faced significant disruptions due to a major Air Traffic Control (ATC) issue at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi. This technical failure, linked to the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), resulted in widespread delays and cancellations over the weekend.
Flight Delay Impacting Passengers
On November 7 and 8, at least 21 flights between Delhi and Hyderabad were affected. This included 10 departures and 11 arrivals, leading to frustration among passengers. Notably, flight VN-984 to Hanoi, Vietnam, was particularly hard hit.
Significant Flight Cancellations
- Flight VN-984, originally scheduled to leave at 11:55 PM on November 7, was postponed to 10:00 AM on November 8.
- Passengers awaited clarity as they were left stranded overnight at Shamshabad airport.
- Travelers expressed outrage over the handling of the situation.
One traveler shared concerns about the lack of communication from airport staff, voicing frustration over the indefinite delay. Many were worried about their substantial investment in the trip, having spent nearly ₹3 lakh, with no arrangements made for accommodations or luggage retrieval during the extended wait.
Broader Disruptions Across the Country
The ATC issue also led to delays and cancellations of over 800 flights nationwide, with 26 flights canceled at IGIA, India’s busiest airport. In response, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued an apology to affected travelers. They affirmed their commitment to maintaining high operational safety and excellent service standards.
As the situation unfolds, passengers continue to seek answers and reassurance from the concerned authorities about the status of their flights and next steps. The travel chaos highlights the critical importance of effective communication during operational disruptions.
