Sauna in the Sky”: Gurugram Man’s Viral Post Exposes Air India Express Flight AC Failure, Sparks National Outcry
Bhubaneswar, May 13, 2025 – What was meant to be a routine two-hour flight from Delhi to Bhubaneswar turned into a harrowing ordeal when passengers aboard an Air India Express flight found themselves trapped in suffocating heat due to a mid-air air conditioning failure.
Unbearable experience on Air India Express flight
The distressing experience came to light after a passenger from Gurugram took to LinkedIn, sharing unsettling images and a detailed account of the incident. The post quickly went viral, resonating with thousands and igniting a broader debate on airline accountability and passenger safety.
Passenger Post
In his post, the passenger, who chose to remain anonymous, described the cabin atmosphere as “a sauna in the sky,” with travellers drenched in sweat, fanning themselves with safety cards, and visibly struggling to endure the extreme temperatures. Images showed passengers loosening their clothing, flushed from the heat, and visibly distressed. “It was unbearable,” the post read, underscoring the emotional and physical toll of the experience.
What happened wrong
According to the account, the cabin began heating up shortly after takeoff of the Air India Express flight. Despite repeated complaints, the situation persisted throughout the journey, with no meaningful response or explanation from the crew. “The staff seemed helpless,” the passenger noted. “There was no communication, no updates — just silence as we suffered.”
The conditions were particularly agonising for elderly travellers and passengers with health conditions, with reports of several individuals feeling faint. The post has since prompted an avalanche of comments, many sharing similar grievances with budget carriers and calling for reform in the aviation sector.
Air India Express flight public apology
Air India Express responded with a public apology, citing “operational constraints during boarding of Air India Express flight” as the cause of the AC malfunction. The airline said the aircraft was inspected and repaired upon landing in Bhubaneswar, and assured passengers that an internal investigation was underway to prevent future occurrences. “We deeply regret the discomfort caused to our passengers,” the statement read.
But for many, the apology did little to quell growing concerns about the state of air travel in India. On X (formerly Twitter), the story became a flashpoint for wider frustration, with users demanding tougher regulations and stronger enforcement of basic safety standards. “How can an airline compromise on something as essential as air conditioning?” one user asked. Another added, “This isn’t just about discomfort — it’s about health and safety.”
Public Safety Matters
Veteran aviator weighed in on the controversy, stressing that temperature control isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. “Even short-haul flights can turn dangerous if ventilation systems fail. Proper maintenance is not optional,” he said.
The Gurugram passenger, whose post set the internet ablaze, closed with a powerful message: “I shared this not for sympathy, but for accountability. No one should have to go through this. We deserve better.”
As public pressure mounts, all eyes are on Air India Express to deliver on its promise of corrective action. Meanwhile, the viral images serve as a stark visual reminder that comfort isn’t a privilege at 30,000 feet—it’s a right.
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