Stampede-like chaos at airport as 25,000 aspirants vie for 2,600 job vacancies in western India
by Aditi VermaA recruitment drive at western India’s Maharashtra turned chaotic as over 25,000 applicants descended for 2,600 vacancies with Air India Airport Services Ltd, prompting authorities to intervene to prevent a potential stampede.
The incident took place near the Sahar cargo complex on the outskirts of the Mumbai Airport in Kalina area of Mumbai on July 16.
Visuals showed outside the interview center, chaos reigned supreme as a massive crowd gathered. People were climbing over each other, pushing and shoving in a frenzied atmosphere. The scene was surreal, with a sense of urgency and desperation palpable in the air. Some were seen scaling vehicles and even trees in their eagerness to reach the venue, creating an unusual and tense environment.
What began as a routine walk-in interview for airport loaders quickly spiraled into pandemonium at Mumbai’s Kalina . Air India Airport Services Ltd had scheduled interviews for 2,000 airport loaders, 400 airport drivers, and 200 ground handling technicians, attracting a massive influx of job seekers to gate no. 5 near the Sahar cargo complex. By midday, more than 10,000 hopefuls had gathered, with the total number of applications reaching close to 25,000.
Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of desperation, as applicants climbed vehicles and trees in a rush to reach the venue. Authorities, fearing a stampede, urged applicants to submit their resumes and disperse, eventually selecting 200 candidates for interviews amidst the chaos. No major incidents were reported, with police from Sahar station later confirming that the situation was brought under control.
Most of the applicants were freshers, including many recent Class 12 graduates and individuals with higher qualifications. For instance, Rathameshwar, a second-year BBA student from Buldhana, traveled over 400 kilometers for a shot at the airport loader position, underscoring the high stakes and intense competition in today’s job market.
Airport loaders play a crucial role in handling luggage, cargo, and equipment on aircraft, requiring a substantial workforce to ensure smooth operations. The overwhelming response to this recruitment drive highlights the profound employment challenges faced by India’s youth, particularly amidst economic uncertainties exacerbated by the pandemic.