Chennai:Pilot Refuses to Take Off Over Low Oxygen Levels, 78 Passengers Offloaded
13 Oct 2026 11:09 AM IST13 Oct 2026 11:09 AM IST
The pilot of a Malaysian Airlines flight refused to operate the plane after he found that the oxygen level in the tank supplying the gas was not sufficient.
File Image of Malaysian Airlines
Chennai: A Malaysian Airlines pilot refused to operate the plane after finding that the oxygen level in the supply tank was insufficient. Finally, officials reduced the passenger count to 100 because there is no facility to fill oxygen at Chennai Airport before operating the plane.
A total of 178 passengers had booked tickets on the Malaysian Airlines plane, which was scheduled to start at 11.55 pm on Sunday. Before operating the flight, the pilot checked the plane and found that the oxygen tank did not have sufficient gas.
Since the number of passengers was 190, including the staff, he found that the tank could not circulate sufficient oxygen inside the plane. He refused to operate the plane as it would be dangerous for the passengers. He also informed the control room and the higher officials.
A meeting of higher officials, engineers, and technical experts was held, and it was decided to send only the first 100 passengers in the booking order since the oxygen level was low. The remaining 78 passengers who were offloaded picked up an argument with the officials, who pacified them by saying that they would be sent on alternative flights. Finally, the Malaysian Airlines flight left the airport at 2.20 am on Monday, resulting in a delay of more than two hours, and the remaining passengers were given accommodation and other facilities at the airport.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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