Chennai Airport News: Malaysia Airlines Flight Delayed, 78 Passengers Denied Boarding
Chennai Airport News
There was confusion at the international departure terminal of Chennai airport in the early hours of Monday. Malaysia Airlines flight MH181 to Kuala Lumpur was delayed after an “oxygen shortage” was cited. The flight was supposed to carry 178 passengers.
The flight was originally scheduled to depart at 11.55 pm on Sunday. It finally took off at 2.20 am with only 100 passengers. This means about half of the passengers were not allowed to board. They were told it was because of a technical glitch.
Malaysia Airlines did not officially explain the reason for the delay or why the flight flew with fewer passengers. However, sources said the oxygen shortage was the reason some passengers were denied boarding.
City-based aviation expert Captain Mohan Ranganathan explained how the oxygen system works on a plane. During an emergency, when the overhead oxygen masks are pulled, a chemical reaction generates oxygen. He said airlines declare certain seats “inoperable” if the chemical generator for the oxygen is not working. This could be the reason the airline did not allow some passengers to board, he said. This is his view, and the airline has not confirmed it.
One passenger posted on X that passengers were stranded for more than six hours. The passenger said the airline staff gave no proper response. According to the post, passengers were given no water and no information about the flight. Long waits without basic help or updates can be very stressful, especially for families and elderly travellers.
Malaysia Airlines has not yet said what will be done for the passengers who were denied boarding. Such passengers are usually offered rebooking on another flight or a refund, but no such details have been shared in this case. More information may come out if the airline or airport authorities issue a statement.
Passengers flying internationally should reach the airport early and keep checking flight updates. If a flight is delayed or boarding is denied, they can ask the airline for rebooking, a refund or other help.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
