An Air India recruitment drive for airport loaders led to a stampede-like situation at Mumbai airport yesterday. More than 25,000 applicants turned up for a shot at the 2,216 vacancies, and Air India staff struggled to manage the massive crowd. Visuals showed the applicants jostling with each other to reach the form counters. Reports said the applicants had to wait for hours without food and water, and many of them started feeling unwell. Airport loaders are tasked with loading and unloading luggage on aircraft and operating baggage belts and ramp tractors. Each aircraft needs at least five loaders to handle luggage, cargo and food supplies.