A Thai Lion Air flight, carrying 130 passengers and seven crew members, was forced to return to its parking bay at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata on Saturday after a “technical snag” was detected shortly after pushback, officials reported. The Boeing 737-800, bound for Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), was subsequently cancelled for the day, prioritizing passenger safety.
The flight, which had arrived from Bangkok at 1:23 AM, was scheduled to depart Kolkata at 2:35 AM. After initiating pushback from bay 60R, the aircraft reported a flap-related issue, critical for takeoff and landing, prompting its return to parking stand 34 by 2:43 AM, according to an Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, the airline cancelled the flight, citing safety concerns.
Frustrated passengers expressed their discontent, with some shouting at airline staff, sources said. Thai Lion Air arranged hotel accommodations for all 130 passengers, and the flight remains cancelled as of Saturday. “Safety of passengers is paramount,” an airline official stated, adding that technical assessments are ongoing to determine the next steps.
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The incident, while disruptive, underscores the airline’s adherence to safety protocols. Passengers have been assured of further updates, with alternative arrangements being coordinated. The AAI and Thai Lion Air are working to resolve the issue swiftly, though no revised departure schedule has been confirmed yet.
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