Air India Express has cancelled two flights on the Delhi–Patna route for seven days from 24 to 30 September, disrupting travel plans on a key air connection ahead of the festive period. Flight numbers IX1346 and IX1348 will not operate during the stated period.
The airline cited operational reasons for the cancellation, according to information shared with the Patna airport authority. However, no specific operational problem was disclosed in the report, leaving passengers without details on the cause or the steps being taken to restore the services.
The cancellations affect both directions of the Delhi–Patna–Delhi route. Travellers who had planned to use the two services during the seven-day period may now have to look for seats on other flights or consider alternative modes of transport.
The report did not provide a clear statement from Air India Express on alternative travel arrangements, rebooking options or refunds for affected passengers. It also did not specify whether the airline would operate additional services or make changes to other flights on the route during the cancellation period.
The timing is significant for passengers travelling before the festive season, when demand for intercity transport typically becomes more concentrated. With two services removed from the route for a full week, travellers may face fewer available seats on competing flights. The report also cautioned that airfares could rise and that advance booking could become more difficult, although no revised fare data was provided.
Delhi–Patna air travel connects the national capital with Bihar’s capital and serves passengers travelling for work, education, family visits and seasonal journeys. For those with fixed travel dates, a short-notice cancellation can create additional costs and planning difficulties, particularly when replacement seats are limited.
The episode also highlights how passengers depend on timely and detailed communication when scheduled services are withdrawn. Information on the exact reason for cancellation, refund procedures, rebooking support and the status of replacement flights is essential for travellers to make informed decisions. In this case, those details were not included in the available report.
Air India Express flight numbers IX1346 and IX1348 are scheduled to remain cancelled from 24 September through 30 September. The airline’s next operational communication, including any passenger assistance or changes to the schedule, will determine how affected travellers can revise their plans.
