Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Jammu, Oct 25: What began as a routine afternoon flight turned into a nightmare for dozens of passengers when Air India Express Flight IX 1183 from Jammu to Srinagar, scheduled to depart at 1:35 PM on October 25, was repeatedly delayed for nearly five and a half hours, just half an hour short of the point when the airline would have been obliged to provide hotel accommodation and meals.
Throughout the day, passengers were repeatedly reassured by staff that the flight would depart “shortly.” But as hours passed, anxiety turned into anger. At 7 PM, an announcement stunned everyone: the flight had been canceled and rescheduled for October 29, a delay of four days.
“I was told every hour that we’d be boarding soon. We waited patiently for five and a half hours, and then they just said the flight’s canceled. No hotel, no transport, nothing!” said an exasperated passenger, Shabir Ahmad, who was traveling with his elderly parents.
Another stranded traveler, Dr. Farah Qureshi, expressed outrage: “This is unacceptable. After keeping us waiting all day, they just walked away. There were no proper announcements, no refreshments, no alternative arrangements. It’s inhuman.”
Many passengers pointed out that, according to aviation norms, airlines are required to provide hotel accommodation and meals after a delay of more than six hours, a rule Air India Express allegedly ignored.
By evening, with no other flights available even for the next day due to the festive rush, Jammu Airport became a scene of chaos and distress. Families with children and elderly passengers were seen sitting helplessly on the floor, surrounded by luggage, making frantic calls for assistance.
Several passengers have appealed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to investigate the matter and direct Air India Express to offer compensation and accommodation to those affected.
“This isn’t just a delay, it’s negligence and a total failure of passenger care,” said one traveler, summing up the sentiment shared by dozens stranded in the terminal late into the night.
