There was chaos at the Ahmedabad airport on Tuesday as the Air India flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick in the United Kingdom was cancelled. 

Ahmedabad airport authorities told the businessline that the Air India flight which was scheduled to leave around 1 pm has been cancelled due to “operational reasons.” Meanwhile, passengers who had gathered at the airport complained that Air India officials at the airport did not provide any reason for the cancellation or about refund. 

Hasmukh Barot who travelled from Patan district to board the Air India flight to UK told ANI news agency, “Our flight was scheduled to leave at 1 pm. I asked them the reason for the cancellation and the staff had no clue. They have no answers. When asked about the refund, they had no answer. They have taken details of my flight ticket and have asked me to come for my flight at 11 am tomorrow.” Barot said that he had come with his family and he did not wish to stay in the hotel provided by the airline.

Another passenger Sohal Dave who has been living in the UK for the last 20 years says, “I am travelling with my wife and two kids. They (children) were supposed to start school tomorrow. Because of the crash last week, everything got disturbed. We really want to go back. Airlines have not been giving any answers over the phone or online. We are struggling. The ground staff do not have any information.”

Meanwhile, an Air India spokesperson said in a statement, “Flight AI-159 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick has been cancelled today due to the unavailability of the aircraft, resulting from airspace restrictions and additional precautionary checks, leading to longer than usual turnaround of aircraft, and not due to any technical snag as claimed.’

“We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers and have made alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination. We are providing hotel accommodation and also offering full refunds on cancellations or complimentary rescheduling if opted by the passengers. Consequently, flight AI-170 from London Gatwick to Amritsar of June 17 stands cancelled,” the statement added.

Published on June 17, 2025