My iPad doesn’t slide to unlock or turn off. Why is the solution? It was working just fine an hour ago.

Try a "forced" restart of your iPad, using these instructions:

• On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top (power) button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
• On other iPad models: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top (power) button. Only when the Apple logo appears (it might take 15-30 seconds), release that button (ignore all other screens that might appear).

If the issue persists, contact Apple Support, using this link:--> Get Support

Regards

Giulio

Connect your iPad to its Power Adapter and allow the iPad to charge, undisturbed, for at least an hour. While still connected to external power, try a forced-restart:

• On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
• On other iPad models: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

Note:  If iPad still doesn’t turn on, or if it gets stuck during start up, see the Apple Support article If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t turn on or is frozen. Or if your iPad isn’t working correctly after you restart it, see the iPad Support website.

Try the force restart: Restart iPad - Apple Support

If that fails, you’re headed for repair or (given it’s seemingly an Air first-gen) replacement with a newer (used, refurb) or new.

My pleasure