'Unbearably hot': Air India Express passengers strip mid-flight after AC failure. Airline responds

In response, Air India Express commented on Tusharkant Rout's LinkedIn post. (Image: Tusharkant Rout/Linkedin)

Passengers aboard Air India Express flight IX-1128 from Delhi to Bhubaneswar on May 11, 2025, experienced extreme discomfort due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system. The flight, which departed shortly before 4:00 PM IST, subjected passengers to stifling heat for nearly two hours mid-air.

Tusharkant Rout, a passenger on the flight, detailed the ordeal in a LinkedIn post, describing the situation as "serious and critical." He reported that the cabin became "unbearably hot," leading to one passenger's health deteriorating significantly. Photographs accompanying his post depicted passengers removing their shirts and using magazines to fan themselves in an attempt to cope with the heat.

Rout noted that despite multiple complaints from passengers, the situation remained unresolved until the aircraft began its descent into Bhubaneswar. He urged Air India Express to address the issue promptly to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In response, Air India Express commented on Rout's LinkedIn post, stating: "We’re sorry for the delay and any discomfort you experienced during your flight, Tusharkant. The cabin AC may feel less effective during boarding and taxiing due to open doors and limited power supply for operational reasons, but it becomes fully functional after takeoff. As you've completed your journey, we truly appreciate your feedback and remain committed to improving our services for a better experience next time."

This incident follows a similar episode on April 30, 2025, when an Air India Express flight from Pune to Jaipur aborted takeoff after a female passenger fell ill due to a non-functional air conditioning system. Passengers on that flight endured nearly two hours in sweltering conditions before being deboarded.