Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 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

U.S. Coast Guard says 'presumed human remains' found in Titan wreckage

U.S. Coast Guard says 'presumed human remains' found in Titan wreckage
Earlier in the day, debris from the ill-fated submersible was returned to shore in Newfoundland aboard a Canadian-flagged ship that had helped search for the vessel in a remote area of ocean near the wreck of the Titanic.

U.S. Coast Guard says 'presumed human remains' found in Titan wreckage

Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., probe theft of German shepherd puppies

Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., probe theft of German shepherd puppies
Police say the theft occurred around 3 a.m. Monday morning. Since then, five of the eight-week-old puppies have been recovered, but police say the rest are still missing. 

Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., probe theft of German shepherd puppies

Rental protection for BC residents

Rental protection for BC residents
The British Columbia government says its 500-million-dollar rental-protection fund will help renters stay in their homes and keep their rents affordable. The province has opened access to the fund that will help non-profit groups purchase rental buildings.

Rental protection for BC residents

Dental care to cost $3B less than budgeted unless provinces drop coverage, PBO says

Dental care to cost $3B less than budgeted unless provinces drop coverage, PBO says
The Liberals promised a stand-alone dental insurance plan for low- and middle-income Canadians who don't have private insurance as part of its supply and confidence deal with the NDP last year.

Dental care to cost $3B less than budgeted unless provinces drop coverage, PBO says

Canada removes limit on study programmes' length for work permit holders

Canada removes limit on study programmes' length for work permit holders
The Canadian government on Tuesday introduced a public policy that will be beneficial for immigrants, including those from India, to boost their career, job prospects, and chances of permanent residency.

Canada removes limit on study programmes' length for work permit holders

Trudeau announces child-care infrastructure funding to build more spaces

Trudeau announces child-care infrastructure funding to build more spaces
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $625 million of funding to help provinces and territories build child-care infrastructure.  Trudeau says the money will be rolled out over four years and will help providers renovate, retrofit and build new not-for-profit and public child-care facilities.   

Trudeau announces child-care infrastructure funding to build more spaces