Rajkot, a bustling city in Gujarat, faced significant disruption at its international airport this morning. A technical glitch in the electronic check-in system caused chaos among passengers. Many travelers found themselves stranded at the airport, leading to confusion and frustration.
The issue arose when the Indigo flight number 6E 5321, which was scheduled to arrive from Mumbai, was diverted to Vadodara. The flight was unable to land at Rajkot due to the malfunction in the check-in system. Passengers were left in the dark as they waited for information that never came.
In the midst of this chaos, airport officials, including the airport director, Bohra, reportedly turned off their mobile phones. This lack of communication only added to the distress of the passengers who were seeking updates on their flights.
Indigo Airlines confirmed that the diversion was necessary due to operational issues at the airport. Some sources even hinted at potential fuel issues contributing to the decision. However, the reasons provided by different officials were inconsistent, leaving passengers confused.
After a delay of about an hour and a half, the diverted flight eventually returned to Rajkot. Earlier that same morning, another flight from Air India faced a similar fate when its check-in system failed, forcing staff to manage the process manually. This added to the inconvenience for many passengers who were already facing delays.
The Rajkot International Airport has been under scrutiny since its inauguration in July 2023. Just days ago, a well-known doctor from Rajkot shared a video highlighting inadequate air conditioning and poor mobile network connectivity at the airport. These concerns have raised questions about the airport’s management and facilities.
Since its opening, the airport has faced various challenges, and today’s glitch is just another incident in a series of operational issues. The Rajkot International Airport was developed at a cost of ₹2,654 crore (around £310 million) and has been designed to cater to modern air travel needs.
With a single runway and the capability to handle large aircraft, the airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, despite its modern amenities, the airport’s operational reliability has come under fire.
Passengers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the airport’s management, citing a need for better communication and support during emergencies. As travel becomes more common, ensuring that such technical issues do not disrupt services is crucial for maintaining passenger trust.
The government and airport authorities must take these incidents seriously and work on improving the systems in place. Regular audits and upgrades to technology could prevent future occurrences and enhance the overall passenger experience.
For now, the people of Rajkot and visitors alike hope that the airport can quickly resolve these issues and provide the service they expect and deserve.
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