Mumbai, Maharashtra — A recruitment drive by Air India for airport loaders resulted in a chaotic stampede-like situation at Mumbai airport yesterday, as over 25,000 applicants crowded the venue for just 2,216 vacancies. The overwhelming turnout led to significant challenges for Air India staff in managing the massive crowd.
Visuals from the scene showed applicants jostling to reach the form counters, with reports indicating that many had to wait for hours without food and water, causing several individuals to feel unwell.
Airport loaders are responsible for loading and unloading luggage on aircraft and operating baggage belts and ramp tractors. Each aircraft typically requires at least five loaders to handle luggage, cargo, and food supplies. The salary for these positions ranges between ₹20,000 and ₹25,000 per month, with many earning over ₹30,000 through overtime allowances. While the educational requirements for the job are minimal, candidates must be physically strong.
Among the aspirants was Prathameshwar from Buldhana district, 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,” said Prathameshwar, a second-year BBA student. When asked if he would quit his studies if he secured the job, he replied, “What do we do? There is so much unemployment. I urge the government to create more job opportunities.”
Another aspirant with a BA degree admitted he knew little about the work of a handyman but said he “needs the job.” A candidate from Rajasthan’s Alwar, holding an MCom degree, also applied for the job despite its basic education requirement. “I am preparing for government job exams as well. Someone told me that the salary here is good, so I have come,” he said.
The incident at Mumbai airport follows a similar occurrence in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, where a viral video showed hundreds of jobseekers pushing and shoving at a walk-in interview for just 10 positions at a private firm. The rush was so intense that a railing on the ramp to the office’s entry collapsed under the weight of the jobseekers, though fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
The Congress has seized on these incidents to criticize the ruling BJP, claiming they expose the party’s failure to address unemployment. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad highlighted the desperation of jobseekers, saying the unemployment situation has worsened over the past decade, leading youngsters to consider extreme measures. “Whenever they hear of jobs, they gather in thousands and there is a fear of stampede,” she said in a post on X.
Air India has yet to respond to the viral video and the resulting controversy.
