Kolkata-Bangkok flight halted before take-off due to technical snag; 137 passengers stranded

A flight scheduled to depart from Kolkata to Bangkok, Thai Lion Air flight number SL243, experienced a significant technical fault just before take-off on Saturday morning, leading to panic among the 137 passengers and cabin crew on board. The flight, initially slated for a late Friday night departure, was unable to proceed due to a malfunction in its critical flap system.

According to airport sources, as the aircraft was preparing for departure on the runway, a technical issue was detected in the flap system – a crucial component of the wing that helps in generating lift during take-off and landing. A malfunction in the flaps could render the flight extremely dangerous, prompting immediate action to halt the take-off. Adding to the distress, the air conditioning system inside the plane was also reportedly not functioning, causing considerable discomfort and suffocation for the passengers who were kept on board for approximately three hours before being disembarked.

All 137 individuals, including passengers and cabin crew, were disembarked from the aircraft at around 5:30 am on Saturday. The airline has reportedly arranged for accommodation for the passengers and informed them that the flight will now depart on Sunday morning after the necessary repairs are completed. This incident follows recent concerns about aviation safety, particularly after another aircraft crash in Ahmedabad last month, raising questions about maintenance protocols and passenger well-being.