New Delhi: In an extraordinary turn of events, Air India diverted a scheduled commercial flight from New York to Delhi to rescue the triumphant Indian cricket team, who found themselves stranded in Barbados after their T20 World Cup 2024 victory. The airline’s decision was prompted by Hurricane Beryl, which had wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, disrupting travel plans for many.
The Dramatic Mission
On July 2, 2024, Air India’s Boeing 777, originally slated to fly passengers from New York to Delhi, was instead dispatched to Barbados. The mission: to bring back the elated Indian cricket team led by captain Rohit Sharma. The charter flight, aptly named AIC24WC (Air India Champions 24 World Cup), took off from Grantley Adams International Airport in the early hours of July 3.
Hurricane Beryl’s Impact
The team had been marooned in Barbados for three days due to Hurricane Beryl, a menacing Category 4 storm. The hurricane’s path rendered their initially planned Emirates flight impossible. With the storm heading towards Jamaica, time was of the essence. The urgent need for an alternative travel arrangement led to Air India’s daring intervention.
Passenger Frustration and Air India’s Response
As news of the canceled New York-Delhi flight spread, affected passengers expressed their frustration on social media. Ajay Awtaney, one of the passengers, shared a screenshot of his canceled ticket, highlighting the abrupt change. However, Air India managed to reallocate all commercial passengers to other flights, ensuring that no one was left stranded in the US. This logistical feat underscored the airline’s commitment to customer service during a challenging situation.
DGCA’s Inquiry and Show Cause Notice
The uproar didn’t go unnoticed. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) swiftly intervened, ordering an inquiry into Air India’s decision. According to DGCA rules, charter flights should not disrupt scheduled operations. The DGCA issued a show cause notice to Air India, seeking an explanation. If unsatisfied with the airline’s reply, Air India could face significant penalties.
A Heroic Return
The special flight, AIC24WC, departed Barbados at around 4:50 AM local time and touched down in New Delhi on July 4 at approximately 6:20 AM IST. The aircraft, equipped with Business Class Suites, Premium Economy, and Economy seats, provided a comfortable journey for the cricket team, support staff, BCCI officials, and media personnel.
As the Men in Blue reunited with their families and stepped onto Indian soil, the nation celebrated their triumphant return. The T20 World Cup champions had overcome not only their opponents but also the forces of nature, making their homecoming all the more remarkable.
