DUBAI- Passengers on Air India Express (IX) flight from Dubai (DXB) to Mangaluru (IXE) faced major disruption after the flight was canceled moments before take-off due to a technical issue. The incident affected more than a hundred passengers, most of them Indian expatriates bound for Karnataka and Kerala.
The aircraft, initially scheduled to depart at 11:40 p.m. on Sunday (November 2, 2025), returned to the ramp after the problem was detected. Despite the issue being resolved later, the crew exceeded duty time limits, leading to a full-day delay and another flight cancellation on Monday.
Air India Express Cancels DXB-IXE Flight
Flight IX814 was grounded shortly before take-off from Dubai International Airport when engineers discovered a technical fault.
Although maintenance teams addressed the issue, aviation duty rules prevented the operating crew from continuing the journey, as they had already reached the maximum permissible duty hours.
Air India Express confirmed the development, stating that safety protocols were followed at every stage. The airline emphasized that it prioritized passenger welfare and regulatory compliance over operational convenience.
To mitigate inconvenience, affected passengers were provided full-board hotel accommodation in Dubai and given options to either rebook, accept a complimentary reschedule, or receive a full refund. The airline deployed an additional flight, IX824, the following evening to carry stranded travelers.
According to airline sources, over 110 passengers chose to board the replacement flight. However, the disruption had a ripple effect on the carrier’s schedule, forcing the cancellation of Monday’s 5 p.m. Dubai–Mangaluru service (IX832). Those booked on the later flight were notified early and offered similar alternatives before reaching the airport, Gulf News reported.
Passenger assistance and response
Most of the travelers on the affected flight were Indian nationals returning home from work in the UAE. Some passengers included elderly travelers and families with children.
The airline’s handling team coordinated hotel stays, transport, and rebooking support throughout the delay.
Air India Express issued a public apology, acknowledging the inconvenience caused and reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety and operational transparency. The airline stated that additional capacity was arranged to ensure all stranded passengers reached Mangaluru as soon as possible.
Bottom Line
Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India under the Tata Group, operates frequent flights connecting Gulf cities with southern Indian destinations.
The airline has been expanding its fleet and updating operational protocols as part of its ongoing integration into the Air India ecosystem.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by airlines balancing tight schedules, maintenance demands, and crew duty regulations in high-traffic international sectors like Dubai–Mangaluru.
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