DELHI- A passenger on an Air India Express (IX) flight from Srinagar (SXR) to Delhi (DEL) accidentally remained onboard and continued flying to Bhubaneswar (BBI) on July 30, 2025.
The airline has initiated an internal probe into this lapse, while the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has been notified for further investigation.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalAir India Express Passenger Misses Stop
The incident occurred during a routine flight connection. The passenger, who was scheduled to disembark in Delhi (DEL), failed to leave the aircraft and inadvertently flew onward to Bhubaneswar (BBI). The flight segment operated as IX 1128, using the aircraft registered as VT-EXA.
Typically, airlines follow strict protocols during transit to verify passengers’ boarding passes and confirm disembarkation or onward travel status. However, in this case, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) appear to have been bypassed or not enforced effectively.
The individual had originally boarded in Srinagar (SXR) and was meant to change flights at Delhi (DEL).
According to sources cited by PTI and the Times of India, the man might have dozed off or misunderstood the instructions. He was only discovered when he informed the cabin crew mid-air after the aircraft had departed Delhi.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalAirline Response and Passenger Repatriation
An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed that the airline has launched an internal investigation. Staff across all stations are being reminded of SOPs, and reinforcement of crew briefing procedures is underway.
Upon arrival in Bhubaneswar (BBI), the passenger was placed on the return flight of the same aircraft, which flew back to Delhi (DEL) later that evening.
The airline arranged overnight accommodation for the passenger in Delhi before flying him onward to his final destination, Bagdogra (IXB), on August 1.
Photo: Sandeep/ atc spotterSecurity and Operational Concerns
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) was immediately informed and is examining how the incident occurred despite repeated transfer announcements.
Authorities are assessing whether human error, passenger inattention, or procedural shortcomings were responsible.
Repeated in-cabin announcements are routinely made to guide transit passengers toward the transfer desk. Yet, in this case, it is believed that the failure to disembark went unnoticed by both the cabin crew and ground staff.
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