Legal Action Against Air India Express Over Passenger Stranding
A law firm based in Saudi Arabia has taken formal legal steps against Air India Express (AIE) following the distressing plight of passengers who were stranded at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. On March 25, travelers were left waiting for over 24 hours amid confusion and lack of communication.
Incident Overview
Flight IX-886, which was intended to fly from Dammam to Mangaluru at 10:10 PM, experienced significant delays that ultimately left many passengers, including elderly individuals and those with health conditions, in a state of distress. This situation prompted the legal notice, which was served on April 15.
Legal Grievances Presented
The legal document, prepared by Saudi advocate Faten Faiz AlAhmari from the International Justice Law Firm, alongside advocate PA Hameed Padubidri, outlines several grievances:
- Unexplained delays and extended confinement on the aircraft.
- Lack of proper accommodations for the affected passengers.
- No official communication or updates during the prolonged waiting period.
- Insufficient support from the airline staff during the ordeal.
Advocate Hameed Padubidri, a pro bono legal advisor based in Riyadh, remarked, “Upon receiving numerous complaints and witnessing the passengers’ plight first-hand, I collaborated with advocate Faten to ensure the matter was formally addressed through appropriate legal channels.” The representation included passengers from Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and some from Kerala.
Airline Response and Community Concerns
An AIE spokesperson confirmed that the airline is currently reviewing the legal notice and will issue a statement in response within a few days. Padubidri expressed disappointment over AIE’s performance, stating, “We expected improved efficiency and passenger care from AIE after its acquisition by the TATA Group. However, lapses and negligence—especially on Gulf routes—continue to frustrate the Indian expatriate community deeply.” He mentioned that if no satisfactory response is provided, they would vigorously pursue the matter through legal channels in both Saudi Arabia and India.
Formal Demands from the Legal Notice
The legal notice outlines several demands aimed at securing justice and accountability:
- A formal written apology addressed to all affected travelers.
- Full compensation for the physical, psychological, and monetary hardships endured.
- A detailed explanation regarding the cause of the flight delay along with preventive measures for future incidents.
- A commitment from AIE to uphold passenger rights in their operations moving forward.
