A recent flight cancellation at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala has led to calls for immediate intervention from the state’s Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha. The incident occurred on December 10, 2024, when the Air India Express flight, which was supposed to carry a group of students to their examination centers in other parts of India, was suddenly canceled without prior notice.
The cancellation has left the B.Ed candidates stranded at the airport, leading to widespread inconvenience and distress. Many of the affected candidates have been preparing for their B.Ed entrance exams, which are crucial for their academic future, and the flight cancellation has jeopardized their ability to reach their exam centers on time.
The Incident Unfolds
According to the students, they were scheduled to board the Air India Express flight, which was supposed to depart from MBB Airport in Agartala to their respective destinations for the entrance exam. However, upon arriving at the airport, they were informed that the flight had been canceled due to unforeseen operational issues. No alternate travel arrangements or compensation were offered at the time of cancellation, leaving the students in a state of confusion and anxiety.
The cancellation caused severe disruption to their plans, as many of these students had made arrangements well in advance for the examination. With little to no help from the airline, the stranded candidates were left with the daunting task of figuring out alternative travel options, all while facing the pressure of impending exams.
B.Ed Candidates’ Appeal to Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha
In response to the incident, the affected B.Ed candidates have made an urgent appeal to the Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, seeking his intervention to resolve the matter and ensure that they are not disadvantaged due to circumstances beyond their control. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, the students expressed their concerns, highlighting the lack of communication and support from the airline.
“We had planned our travel months in advance, and this cancellation has left us in an extremely difficult situation. We are unable to attend our exams because of this unforeseen cancellation, and the airlines have not provided any solutions,” the letter reads. The candidates have requested the state government to take appropriate action, including facilitating alternate travel arrangements or, if possible, arranging special flights to ensure they reach their exam destinations on time.
Government Response and Immediate Action
The Chief Minister’s office has acknowledged the concerns raised by the students. Dr. Manik Saha, in a statement, assured that the government would take necessary steps to address the issue. He emphasized that the state government understands the significance of these exams for the students and that their well-being and future prospects are of utmost importance.
In a conversation with reporters, Dr. Saha said, “I have received complaints regarding the flight cancellation, and I understand how this has caused undue distress to the students. The government will engage with the airline to find a swift solution and ensure that no student is left behind. We will also look into providing alternate travel options for those affected.”
Stranded Students Explore Alternative Travel Options
Following the cancellation, many students sought alternative means of transport, including booking last-minute train tickets or attempting to reschedule flights with other airlines. However, these efforts have been met with challenges, as the time constraints and the high demand for transport options during the peak travel season have made it difficult for the students to secure timely travel arrangements.
Several students have also expressed concerns about the financial burden of arranging alternative travel at such short notice. “We had already spent a significant amount on our flight tickets, and now we are being forced to pay extra for alternative transport. This situation is not only emotionally draining but also financially taxing,” said one of the affected students.
The Importance of Timely Action
The incident has brought to light the importance of having a robust system in place to handle such situations, particularly for students who are dependent on air travel to reach exam centers located far from their homes. In this case, the lack of timely communication from the airline and the absence of immediate assistance have compounded the distress of the students.
It is crucial for airlines and authorities to ensure that passengers, especially students traveling for exams, are provided with timely information and support when travel disruptions occur. The Tripura government, under the leadership of Dr. Manik Saha, now faces the challenge of coordinating with Air India Express and other stakeholders to provide a fair resolution to the affected students.
As the situation continues to unfold, the B.Ed candidates are hopeful that the intervention of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha will bring about a quick resolution, ensuring that they are not deprived of the opportunity to take their exams. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in air travel and the need for authorities to step in when passengers face unfair inconveniences, particularly when their academic future is at stake. The coming days will determine whether the Tripura government can resolve this issue swiftly and provide the students with the support they so urgently need.
