13 Passengers Booked Flight Tickets In Gujarat, Air India Put Them In A Car Instead

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Air India passengers at Bhuj Airport were denied boarding despite valid tickets due to an aircraft change, causing missed connections and passenger outrage
An unexpected disruption involving Air India left several passengers stranded at Bhuj Airport in Gujarat on Saturday morning. Thirteen travellers, all with confirmed tickets, were unable to board their scheduled flight. While some passengers were not issued boarding passes, others who received them were later informed that no seats were available.
Several of the affected passengers had travelled from remote parts of the Kutch district to board the flight, only to be informed of the issue at the airport. The disruption appears to have stemmed from a last-minute operational adjustment by the airline.
What Happened At Bhuj Airport?
Flight AI609, scheduled to depart from Bhuj to Mumbai at 8:55am, experienced confusion during the boarding process. Some passengers who had completed check-in and received boarding passes were later told they could not be accommodated on the flight.
At around 8:15am, a number of passengers approached the airline counter seeking clarification. According to reports, they did not receive a clear explanation at the time.
Official Response and Passenger Accounts
Bhuj Airport Director Anurag Vaishnav confirmed that Air India later arranged alternative travel options for the affected passengers.
Times of India quoted a passenger as saying that although he had completed web check-in and arrived on time, he was not assigned a seat. 'My two-year-old son and wife were with me. My brother and sister-in-law got seats on another flight, but I did not," he said.
He added that the issue arose due to a change in aircraft. 'The staff informed us that, due to technical reasons, a smaller A320 aircraft had replaced the A321 from Mumbai, resulting in fewer available seats."
Alternative Arrangements
According to passenger accounts, Air India offered to transport those affected by car to Ahmedabad and then fly them to Mumbai later in the day. One traveller declined the offer due to scheduling constraints and instead arranged an alternative flight from Kandla with assistance from an acquaintance.
Some passengers reported missing onward connections in Mumbai, and there were concerns raised about the lack of prior communication regarding the aircraft change.
Air India's Statement
According to the TOI report, Air India issued the following clarification: 'On flight AI609 scheduled from Bhuj to Mumbai, an A320 aircraft replaced the A321 due to technical reasons, leading to some passengers not getting seats. We have arranged alternatives, such as reallocating seats to other flights and providing car transport. We regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate the passengers' cooperation."
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First Published:
July 15, 2025, 08:59 IST
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