Passengers on Air India Express flight IX 164 from Muscat to New Delhi faced a frustrating delay of over five hours late Tuesday night, leaving more than 125 travellers stranded at the airport, according to Times of Oman.
The flight was originally scheduled to depart Muscat at 11:30 pm on February 17. However, passengers were notified that due to “operational reasons,” the departure was rescheduled multiple times—from 1:30 am to 2:35 am, then 3:20 am, and finally 3:50 am on February 18—causing confusion and distress among travellers uncertain about their onward plans.
An Air India express flight official confirmed a travel desk had been set up in New Delhi to assist affected passengers with their connecting flights. Despite support efforts, many passengers expressed concern about missing meetings and other commitments, forced to wait through the night.
In an official statement, an Air India Express spokesperson cited the delay was caused by the late arrival of the incoming aircraft, which was changed due to technical issues. Passengers were offered refreshments, refunds, or complimentary rescheduling as compensation. “We regret the inconvenience caused,” the airline added.
Air India Express Flight, part of the Tata Group’s aviation portfolio, has been undergoing significant restructuring since Air India’s acquisition in 2022. The low-cost carrier is merging with AIX Connect to streamline operations and is expanding its fleet with modern Boeing 737-8 and Airbus neo aircraft to increase capacity and destinations.
Looking ahead, from March 28, 2026, Air India will transition its Dubai–Kochi and Dubai–Hyderabad routes to Air India Express flight, ceasing full-service flights on these secondary UAE–India routes. Full-service flights from the UAE will continue only to Mumbai and Delhi.
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