A group of passengers gathered outside the departure hall at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Friday morning to protest the sudden cancellation of an Air India Express flight bound for Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The flight, which was scheduled to depart on Friday, was called off by the airline without any prior intimation, leaving travellers stranded and frustrated.
Those affected had reportedly reached the airport well in advance, as is customary for international flights to the Gulf region, only to learn that the aircraft had been grounded at the last hour. Many described feeling misled and inconvenienced, especially since several were travelling for employment purposes or urgent family matters.
The Air India Express flight operates a crucial link between Kerala and the Middle East, serving a large number of Kerala-based expatriates who rely on its schedule for regular travel. Cancellations of this nature tend to have outsized impact, given the limited frequency of direct connections and the difficulty of arranging alternative transport on short notice.
Passenger representatives told media outlets that airline staff at the counter appeared unprepared to handle the situation, offering little clarity on refund timelines or rebooking arrangements. Some travellers alleged that they were asked to wait indefinitely at the airport while the airline sought available seats on other carriers.
The incident has reignited debates about the reliability of low-cost carriers on the Kerala-Gulf route and the accountability of airlines when facing operational disruptions. Passengers are now demanding proper compensation, immediate rebooking on the next available flight, and a written explanation from the airline regarding the grounds for cancellation.
Airport authorities confirmed that they are in touch with Air India Express officials to facilitate alternative arrangements for affected passengers. No further flights on the same route were immediately available, and passengers have been advised to remain at the airport until updated information is shared.
