Air India Express Guwahati-Kolkata Flight Delayed 18 Hours Due to Technical Glitch

Air India Express Guwahati-Kolkata Flight Delayed 18 Hours Due to Technical Glitch

Prolonged Delay and Passenger Disruption

Air India Express flight IX-1226, scheduled to operate from Guwahati to Kolkata, experienced an extensive delay of 18 hours due to a recurring technical issue, airline officials confirmed on Sunday. The disruption affected approximately 170 passengers, who endured multiple postponements and extended waiting periods. Originally slated to depart from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at 9:20 pm on Saturday, the flight was repeatedly delayed while passengers remained onboard. It was only around 1:30 am that travelers were deboarded and relocated first to an airport lounge and subsequently to a hotel. Some passengers voiced dissatisfaction with the hotel accommodations, sharing a viral video alleging substandard conditions and the absence of breakfast, as reported by news agency PTI.

Efforts to resume the journey the following morning were unsuccessful when the same aircraft encountered the identical technical fault. Passengers were returned to the airport, where officials announced arrangements for a replacement aircraft. The substitute flight departed at 3:34 pm on Sunday. Meanwhile, some passengers opted to transfer to other airlines, a choice facilitated by Air India Express as part of its recovery measures.

Airline Response and Operational Implications

A spokesperson for Air India Express acknowledged the technical malfunction affecting the original aircraft and emphasized that affected passengers were offered various recovery options, including hotel stays, complimentary rescheduling, or full refunds. “Guests were given recovery options including hotel stays, complimentary rescheduling or full refunds,” the spokesperson stated to PTI.

This incident occurs amid a critical phase for Air India Express, which is currently engaged in a fleet retrofit and modernization initiative. The airline’s CEO has previously admitted to delays in the retrofit process, which may further challenge operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Such disruptions risk undermining the airline’s reputation, particularly as it strives to establish itself as a dependable carrier within a fiercely competitive market.

Industry analysts observe that rival carriers, including IndiGo and Gulf-based airlines, may exploit any perceived vulnerabilities, potentially attracting passengers concerned about reliability. The Guwahati-Kolkata delay highlights the difficulties Air India Express faces in balancing its expansion ambitions with the imperative to maintain consistent service standards.

As the airline conducts a review of the incident, affected passengers remain frustrated, and the episode may prompt a comprehensive reassessment of operational protocols to mitigate the risk of similar disruptions in the future.