Recently, Air India’s recruitment drive at Mumbai’s airport turned chaotic as over 25,000 job seekers gathered, overwhelming the venue and sparking fears of stampedes. The event, intended to fill 600 positions, quickly escalated into a situation where the sheer number of applicants far exceeded expectations, leading to concerns about crowd management and safety.

Air India had announced vacancies for various positions at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. This included roles such as ground staff, cabin crew, and technical positions, aiming to bolster its workforce amid operational expansions. The recruitment drive was scheduled to start early in the morning, but the turnout far surpassed the airline’s anticipation.

The event’s location, combined with the high number of applicants, led to chaotic scenes. Many job seekers arrived well before dawn, resulting in large crowds gathering outside the designated area. As more people joined, the situation became increasingly difficult to manage. Reports indicate that the crowd surged forward at several points, raising fears of potential stampedes.

Authorities and Air India staff struggled to maintain order amidst the massive influx of applicants. Concerns over safety mounted as the venue became overcrowded, with inadequate measures in place to manage such a large gathering. Videos and eyewitness accounts depicted scenes of jostling and confusion, highlighting the challenges of conducting large-scale recruitment events in urban centers.

In response to the chaotic situation, Air India issued statements expressing regret over the inconvenience caused and assured applicants that alternative arrangements would be considered. They emphasized their commitment to fair recruitment practices while acknowledging the need for better planning to handle such large turnouts in the future.