Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Several students stranded at Vancouver airport after Air India flight to Delhi cancelled

Darpan News Desk IANS, 04 Jul, 2023 10:54 AM
  • Several students stranded at Vancouver airport after Air India flight to Delhi cancelled

New Delhi, July 4 (IANS) Around 20 to 25 students were left stranded at Canada's Vancouver after the cancellation of Air India flight AI 186 to Delhi on July 2.

Describing their ordeal, the University of British Columbia (UBC) students mentioned that the flight was initially scheduled to depart from Vancouver airport at around 10.15 a.m. on July 2 but was rescheduled twice and eventually cancelled.

One of the students, speaking anonymously, stated, "On July 1, around 9 p.m., we received an email from Air India informing us of a five-hour delay, and the new departure time was set for 2.45 p.m. However, when we arrived at the airport, we discovered that the flight had been delayed for an additional hour."

"We were waiting at the closed boarding gate at the new departure time of 3:45 p.m.

"But a fellow passenger informed us around 3:40 p.m that the flight had been cancelled, and there was no official announcement."

The students, along with other passengers, subsequently reached out to Air India ground staff.

"They (ground staff) provided us with an email address and instructed us to send our expense receipts to the airport for reimbursement," said another student.

"The ground staff also assured us that Air India would refund our ticket costs and other expenses. However, when we requested written confirmation, the staff refused, stating that they could only give oral assurances as there was no guarantee," she said, adding that they don’t know if their ticket amount will be refunded or not.

The students claimed that they had sent an email requesting a refund for their tickets but had not received any response from Air India.

As a result of the flight cancellation, a group of 10 UBC students, who had already surrendered their rented accommodations, are now staying at a friend's three-bedroom house.

"We each have three bags, and 10 of us are sharing this accommodation because we don't have the funds to book another flight or rent another house," the students explained.

Meanwhile, the Air India spokesperson said that the passengers are being offered other alternative arrangements and support until they are Delhi-bound again.

“Air India AI186 scheduled to operate Vancouver-Delhi on July 2 had been rescheduled earlier but now stands cancelled, as a technical issue was detected in the operating aircraft. While the aircraft undergoes the necessary checks and repairs, we have re-accommodated some of our guests on flights operated by other airlines,” said the spokesperson.

“The rest of the guests are being offered other alternative arrangements and support until they are Delhi-bound again. We regret the inconvenience caused to our guests, but as always, ensuring the safety of all is our top priority,” the spokesperson added.

MORE National ARTICLES

Vancouver needs a 9% annual property tax hike to maintain its fiscal outlook

Vancouver needs a 9% annual property tax hike to maintain its fiscal outlook
The report says the outlook for operating expenditures is driven by factors, including higher fixed costs to provide existing service levels, the renewal of infrastructure and public amenities, Metro Vancouver levies, and the implementation of key initiatives from the 2023 budget, such as the hiring of additional police officers.'

Vancouver needs a 9% annual property tax hike to maintain its fiscal outlook

B.C. warns of summer drought, asks people to conserve water

B.C. warns of summer drought, asks people to conserve water
A statement from the Forests Ministry says recent rains have provided some relief in parts of B.C., but it hasn't been enough to make up the deficit. B.C.'s drought map shows much of the northeastern corner of the province is at drought level four on the five-level scale, meaning conditions are extremely dry with communities and ecosystems likely to experience adverse impacts.

B.C. warns of summer drought, asks people to conserve water

Reign of world's largest hockey stick coming to an end as Duncan holds survey

Reign of world's largest hockey stick coming to an end as Duncan holds survey
The 28,118-kilogram stick was built to mark the entrance to the Canada pavilion at Vancouver's Expo in 1986, but 37 years later the Cowichan Valley Regional District said it is coming to "the end of its life."  

Reign of world's largest hockey stick coming to an end as Duncan holds survey

B.C. public schools move away from letter grades from kindergarten to Grade 9

B.C. public schools move away from letter grades from kindergarten to Grade 9
A statement from the Education Ministry says that starting in the 2023-2024 school year, only students in grades 10, 11 and 12 will receive letter grades and percentages so post-secondary entry requirements are met. 

B.C. public schools move away from letter grades from kindergarten to Grade 9

Body found in vacant lot: VPD

Body found in vacant lot: VPD
Police say a body has been found in a vacant lot in East Vancouver. Constable Tania Visintin says the discovery was made last night by a passerby. It's Vancouver's ninth homicide of 2023.

Body found in vacant lot: VPD

Sikh Liberal MPs meet with public safety minister over Surrey killing

Sikh Liberal MPs meet with public safety minister over Surrey killing
The federal Liberal Party's Sikh caucus -- which includes several members of Parliament from B-C -- has met with Public Safety Minister Marco Mendocino to discuss the killing of Surrey Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Seven caucus members met with the minister last night.

Sikh Liberal MPs meet with public safety minister over Surrey killing