Air India Express Flight Delay at Dammam Sparks Outrage

Over 150 passengers headed to Bengaluru were left stranded for more than 24 hours at Dammam’s King Fahad International Airport after their Air India Express Flight IX484, scheduled for 8:30 PM on April 25, 2025, faced repeated “technical glitches.”

After a night of waiting, airline staff informed travellers that the issues were “temporarily resolved,” and asked them to board at 1:30 PM (KSA time) on April 26. However, confusion deepened when the aircraft taxied to the runway but abruptly stopped again, leaving passengers distressed and without clear updates.

Although the flight eventually departed close to midnight, numerous passengers took to social media to highlight major concerns regarding safety, poor communication, and the airline’s lack of proper crisis handling. “This is blatant negligence, not just mismanagement,” said one aggrieved passenger.

PA Hameed Padubidri, a veteran social worker based in Saudi Arabia, said he stayed in constant contact with the stranded group and emphasized the urgent need for accountability from Air India Express. “This is the third serious disruption in a month, suggesting deeper operational issues,” Hameed stated.

Travellers also pointed out that, unlike Gulf carriers, they were neither offered timely meals, hotel stays, nor swift rebooking options, exposing major service gaps.

While Air India Express apologized and claimed it provided hotel accommodation, refreshments, and free cancellations or reschedules, passengers demand thorough investigations by aviation authorities.

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