Passengers stranded indefinitely at the airport due to prolonged delay in Air India Express flight bound for Dubai
Air India Express, a popular airline operating on the Dubai-Lucknow route, has once again found itself in the spotlight due to a series of delays and operational issues. Last week, flight IX-194 from Dubai to Lucknow was delayed for an unprecedented 16 hours, causing significant inconvenience to passengers.
Many passengers were offered refunds or rebookings on later flights, but these options were not suitable for time-sensitive travelers. This delay is not a first for Air India Express on the Dubai-Lucknow sector, as the airline has faced criticism in the past for its handling of this route.
The recent delay was attributed to a technical problem, and the airline later apologized for the disruption, citing "operational constraints" as the reason. However, the cancellations that followed sparked complaints of inadequate communication and support at multiple airports.
In March 2025, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) formally reprimanded Air India Express for delays in replacing critical engine components on Airbus A320 aircraft, which are commonly used on international routes like Dubai-Lucknow. The airline was accused of missing deadlines mandated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and even of falsifying maintenance records. Although the airline claims to have taken remedial actions, these regulatory issues suggest potential safety and operational risks that could cause flight delays or disruptions.
While specific delays on the Dubai-Lucknow route are not detailed in publicly available flight history data, given the regulatory warnings and ongoing maintenance challenges, passengers on this and similar routes may experience flight delays or cancellations related to aircraft technical readiness. Passenger complaints have surfaced on social media platforms about delays caused by technical or maintenance issues on Air India Express flights originating from Dubai.
In conclusion, while exact delay statistics and passenger complaints specific to the Dubai-Lucknow route are limited in publicly available sources, there is clear regulatory evidence of Air India Express facing maintenance-related delays and safety compliance issues that could contribute to operational disruptions and passenger dissatisfaction on this and other international services. Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly and to stay updated on the latest developments regarding Air India Express flights.
[1] https://www.dgca.gov.in/shownews.aspx?id=1711 [2] https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airlines/air-india-express/ix193 [3] https://twitter.com/AirIndiaExpress/status/1540670288453419008 [4] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-india-express-cancels-flights-ix-193-ix-194-for-three-consecutive-days-3148835 [5] https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/air-india-express-cancels-flights-ix-193-ix-194-for-three-consecutive-days/703340
- Passengers planning business trips or real estate deals on the Dubai-Lucknow route might want to consider alternative airlines to avoid potential delays or disruptions, considering Air India Express's history of technical issues and operational challenges.
- The health and wellbeing of travelers on this route could be at risk, given the recent news about Air India Express's safety compliance issues and potential maintenance risks, as reported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
- In the wake of the ongoing operational issues and cancellations of Air India Express flights, staying informed about the latest developments in the airline industry, including news and lifestyle updates, is crucial for travelers to make well-informed decisions.
- For sports enthusiasts and entertainment seekers, frequent delays or cancellations on the Dubai-Lucknow route could potentially interfere with their travel plans, such as attending tournaments, concerts, or other events, as they might miss their scheduled flights.
