An Air India Express flight, IX 1511, scheduled to travel from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, to Kolkata, West Bengal, experienced a significant delay today, June 15, 2025, due to a technical issue detected just before takeoff. The aircraft was grounded on the runway for over an hour while engineers assessed the situation.
Hindon Airport, primarily serving defense operations, has recently opened its doors to limited civilian flights. According to sources at the airport, the aircraft had already taxied to the runway and was preparing for departure when the flight crew identified a technical problem. The specific nature of the issue was not immediately disclosed, but the discovery prompted an immediate halt to operations as ground engineers were called in to investigate and rectify the problem.
An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed the delay, stating, "Our Hindon-Kolkata flight operated, with a delay, due to a snag on the originally assigned aircraft. Guests were offered complimentary rescheduling or cancellation with a full refund. We regret the inconvenience." The airline's proactive approach in offering alternatives to passengers was acknowledged, and airline officials ensured that all safety protocols were thoroughly followed before the aircraft was cleared to resume operations.
The incident occurred amidst heightened scrutiny of airline safety and operations, and comes on the heels of a recent Air India Express flight from Bangkok to Surat being grounded after a suspected bird hit upon landing in Bangkok. Furthermore, a Jaipur-Bengaluru-Surat flight experienced delays due to an AC failure, a runway closure, and reported engine overheating.
These events have raised concerns about the frequency of technical issues affecting Air India Express flights. In light of the recent Air India accident near Ahmedabad airport, in which at least 270 people were killed, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the DGCA has mandated a comprehensive surveillance of all 34 Boeing 787 aircraft in India's fleet.
The investigation into the Ahmedabad crash continues, with preliminary assessments suggesting inadequate engine thrust could have delayed lift-off. Experts have also raised the possibility of flap configuration issues. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has added forensics and medical experts to the team, with black box decoding expected to provide further insights.
Air India is currently performing safety checks on its Boeing 787 fleet, as directed by the DGCA, potentially causing delays on some long-haul flights. The airline has already inspected nine aircraft and aims to complete the process for the remaining ones within the regulator's timeframe. Affected customers are being offered refunds or complimentary reschedules.
