Cabin Temperature: Air India Sets New Requirement For Flight Attendants Following Multi-Hour Delay Incidents

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 6, 2024 08:00 AMNews
Share:
white and red airplane under white clouds
white and red airplane under white clouds. Source: unsplash

Air India has implemented a revised standard operating procedure (SOP) for managing cabin temperatures, prompted by recent incidents of passenger discomfort on delayed flights. This change comes after reports of passengers fainting due to high temperatures during prolonged delays, particularly on flights to San Francisco.

New Guidelines

Following significant delays and air conditioning failures, Air India now mandates that cabin crew ensure the cabin temperature is reduced to 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit) before passengers are allowed to board. This directive aims to prevent a recurrence of the issues that led to severe discomfort for passengers.

The new SOP includes several key instructions for cabin crew:

  1. Immediate Temperature Check: Cabin crew must check the cabin temperature immediately after boarding the aircraft.
  2. Temperature Setting: The cabin temperature must be set at 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
  3. Boarding Clearance: Boarding can only proceed if the temperature in all zones is 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) or below.
  4. Notification Protocol: If the temperature cannot be reduced to the prescribed levels, the pilot in command and the assigned engineer must be notified. The commander has the authority to give boarding clearance in such cases.
  5. Delay Classification: Any delays caused under these circumstances should be filed under 'Miscellaneous.'
  6. Service Door Management: Service doors must remain closed if catering-related activities are not in progress.
  7. Air Vent Management: All air vents must be opened before passenger boarding begins.

The Incident Leading to These Changes

The revised SOP was introduced after two ultra-long-haul flights to San Francisco experienced massive delays. The first incident involved flight 179 from Mumbai to San Francisco, where issues ranged from unloading bags of passengers who did not want to travel to a passenger falling ill. The second, more severe incident involved flight 183 from New Delhi to San Francisco, which was delayed by over 30 hours. During this delay, the replacement aircraft reportedly had non-functional air conditioning, causing extreme discomfort for over 200 passengers, including the elderly and children. Some passengers fainted, and they had to wait on the jetway for nearly an hour before being allowed to enter the airport.

These incidents, coupled with the ongoing severe heatwave in India, have led Air India to take stringent measures to ensure passenger comfort and safety during boarding.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM