Air India Express Mishap: Passenger Misses Delhi Flight Connection

DELHI- On July 30, 2025, a passenger on an Air India Express (IX) flight from Srinagar (SXR) to Delhi (DEL) accidentally stayed on board, continuing to Bhubaneswar (BBI).

The airline has begun an internal investigation concerning this incident, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is also involved to assess the situation further.

Air India Express Passenger Misses Stop

The event took place during a standard flight transfer. A passenger who planned to get off in Delhi (DEL) mistakenly remained on the plane and traveled to Bhubaneswar (BBI) instead. This flight segment was designated as IX 1128, utilizing the aircraft identified as VT-EXA.

Airlines typically adhere to strict processes during layovers to verify passenger boarding passes and ensure proper disembarkation. Unfortunately, it appears that standard operating procedures (SOPs) were not correctly followed in this instance.

This individual had boarded the flight in Srinagar (SXR) with the intention of changing flights at Delhi (DEL).

Reports from PTI and the Times of India suggest that the passenger may have fallen asleep or misinterpreted the boarding instructions. He was eventually discovered when he notified the cabin crew after the aircraft had taken off from Delhi.

Airline Response and Passenger Repatriation

A spokesperson for Air India Express stated that an internal inquiry is underway. The airline is reminding staff of the critical importance of adhering to SOPs and is reinforcing briefing procedures among crews.

Upon reaching Bhubaneswar (BBI), the passenger was accommodated on the return flight back to Delhi (DEL) later the same evening.

The airline arranged for overnight lodging in Delhi before facilitating his further journey to Bagdogra (IXB) on August 1.

Security and Operational Concerns

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) was promptly alerted and is evaluating how this incident transpired, despite multiple transfer announcements being made.

Officials are investigating whether the cause was human error, inattentiveness from the passenger, or shortcomings in procedure.

Announcements are regularly made in-flight to assist passengers with their transfers, yet in this case, it seems the failure to disembark was overlooked by both the cabin crew and the ground personnel.