Air India Express Mumbai-Dubai flight gets delayed by 13 hours, passengers face tough time

Flight IX 247, which was scheduled to take off for Dubai at 3 p.m. on February 9, left at 4 a.m. the next day due to “technical snag beyond the control of the airline”

As many as 170 passengers of an Air India Express flight to Dubai had a tough time at the airport in Mumbai as the flight was delayed by 13 hours due to a technical snag.

The flight, which was scheduled to take off for Dubai at 3 p.m. on February 9, finally left at 4 a.m. on Friday, February 10.

In a statement, Tata Group-owned Air India Express said it provided assistance to some 50 passengers, who had special requirements, including the lounge facility.

However, the remaining 120 passengers were kept at the airport terminal building, an airline source said. A total of 170 passengers were booked for the flight.

Significantly, Tata Group operates at least four luxury hotels in the city with one in the domestic airport terminal premises itself.

"Air India Express flight IX 247 on the Mumbai-Dubai route on February 9, 2023, had a progressive delay due to a technical snag, which was beyond the control of the airline," the airline said.

“We made all possible efforts to minimise the difficulties of our guests, dinner was given to all guests, followed by continuous refreshments. Airport lounge facilities were provided to 50 guests who required special assistance and support,” the statement said.