Passengers on an Air India Express flight IX 196 from Dubai to Jaipur experienced a harrowing ordeal on June 13, 2025, after being stranded inside the aircraft for approximately five hours without air conditioning. The flight, initially scheduled to depart at 7:25 PM, faced a significant delay due to a technical issue, eventually taking off at 12:45 AM.

The incident occurred amidst sweltering heat in Dubai, with outside temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius. Passengers, including elderly individuals and young children, were visibly distressed, sweating profusely and struggling with the discomfort. According to passenger accounts and viral videos shared on social media, the air conditioning system failed to function, exacerbating the already challenging situation.

Aarzoo Sethi, a passenger and social media influencer, posted a video on Instagram highlighting the ordeal. The video showed passengers fanning themselves with safety cards and repeatedly pressing the call button for assistance, with little to no response from the crew. Sethi's video captured her three-year-old son "drenched in sweat" and questioned the airline's lack of communication and accountability. "We were stranded inside an @airindiax flight for 5+ hours, flight number IX196, with no AC, no communication, and zero assistance from the crew," she wrote.

Another passenger, Ravi Kumar, echoed Sethi's concerns, describing the situation as suffocating. Passengers also reported a lack of water and food during the extended delay. The airline has yet to release a statement.

This incident follows another recent complaint regarding Air India Express. In May 2025, passengers on a flight from Delhi to Bhubaneswar reported a similar air conditioning failure mid-air, leading to extreme discomfort. Passengers resorted to removing their shirts and using magazines to fan themselves in an attempt to stay cool. In response to that previous incident, Air India Express stated that the cabin AC might feel less effective during boarding and taxiing due to open doors and limited power supply, but it should become fully functional after takeoff.

The recent incident in Dubai has sparked outrage on social media, with many users calling for accountability from Air India Express and raising concerns about passenger safety and well-being. Social media users described the incident as "irresponsible". Some passengers are urging others to boycott Air India.