MUMBAI – An Air India recruitment drive for airport loaders resulted in a near-stampede at Mumbai airport yesterday, as over 25,000 applicants turned up for just 2,216 vacancies. Air India staff struggled to manage the massive crowd, leading to chaotic scenes.
Visuals showed applicants jostling to reach the form counters, with reports indicating long waits without food or water, causing many to feel unwell, reported Vartha Bharati.
Airport loaders, who load and unload luggage on aircraft, earn between ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per month, with overtime allowances pushing earnings above ₹30,000. Educational requirements are minimal, but physical strength is essential.
Among the aspirants was Prathameshwar from Buldhana district, a second-year BBA student who traveled over 400 km for the interview. “I have come to apply for the post of handyman. They are offering a salary of ₹22,500,” he said. Another candidate from Rajasthan’s Alwar, holding an MCom degree, was also present, seeking the job due to the attractive salary despite preparing for government exams.
This incident follows a similar scenario in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, where a recruitment drive for just 10 posts led to a stampede-like situation. The Congress party criticized the BJP’s handling of unemployment, while BJP MP Mansukh Vasava blamed the private firm for poor management.
Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad criticized the BJP, stating that the unemployment crisis has worsened over the past decade. Air India has yet to respond to the viral video from the Mumbai event.
