Passengers Denied Boarding on Air India’s Newark–Delhi A350 Service

New Delhi: Passengers have complained that they were not allowed to board Air India’s Newark–Delhi flight despite holding valid tickets. The incident took place on July 3, when several travelers were denied boarding even though the flight departed on time.

Vikas, a passenger who booked through the travel agency Indian Eagle, shared his ordeal with the media. He said Air India canceled his family’s tickets without any reason. Initially, airline officials told him the flight was “non-operational,” but it departed as scheduled.

As the trip was urgent, Vikas and his family spent over $2,000 extra to purchase last-minute tickets on Emirates and Air India. Reports indicate that other passengers at Newark Airport faced similar issues.

Overbooking is suspected to be the likely cause of the incident. However, neither Air India nor the travel agency has provided a clear explanation so far. The case serves as a reminder of the risks involved in booking tickets through third-party agencies. Meanwhile, the affected passengers have yet to receive their refunds.