Passengers aboard a Qatar Airways flight, which included numerous athletes participating in the IFMA World Muaythai Championships, are alleging that they were stranded on the plane without air conditioning.
Sweltering flyers expecting to travel from Athens to Doha, Qatar, on Monday ended up “passing out” as the aircraft lay stranded on the tarmac in 38C heat.
The incident reportedly occurred due to a technical malfunction in the aircraft’s air conditioning system just before its departure from the Middle East. This situation unfolded amid concerns about excessive heat in Greece, as an Emergency Weather Bulletin had already been issued, warning of very high temperatures until Friday.
Videos surfaced showing passengers struggling on the plane, with many seen removing their clothes due to intense sweating. After enduring 3.5 hours of discomfort, passengers were finally permitted to disembark and return to the terminal at Athens International Airport for further instructions. South African sports therapist Garth Collins documented the incident on social media, expressing dismay over the handling of the situation by Qatar Airways. He highlighted passengers’ dehydration and concerns about missed connecting flights, emphasizing the inadequacy of the water and beverages provided.
One video shared by Collins showed Muay Thai fighter Damian Collins visibly sweating, underscoring the distressing conditions endured by passengers. Despite being in prime physical condition, Damian Collins expressed the stress and peril faced by all passengers. The delayed flight, which also carried members of the Thai Muaythai team and journalists, eventually arrived in Doha around 16 hours later than scheduled. Qatar Airways has yet to comment on the incident.