Indian cricket star Mohammed Siraj experienced what he called his "worst airline experience" when his Air India Express flight from Hyderabad to New Delhi was delayed for hours before ultimately being cancelled, leaving the frustrated bowler stranded at the airport.
Cricketer's Airport Ordeal Goes Viral
The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, when Mohammed Siraj was scheduled to travel from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The flight was originally set to depart at 10:30 PM but faced extensive delays that stretched through the night.
Siraj took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration, posting at approximately 4:45 AM on Wednesday morning. In his viral post, he wrote: "Worst airline experience ever with @AirIndiaX. Flight from Hyderabad to Delhi delayed for over 8 hours and then cancelled. No proper communication or assistance provided. Absolutely pathetic service!"
Hours of Waiting End in Cancellation
According to the cricketer's account, the situation deteriorated significantly during the extended wait period. Passengers were kept waiting for more than eight hours without adequate updates or support from airline staff. The lack of communication and assistance compounded the frustration for all travelers, including the national cricket team player.
The ordeal reached its climax when, after the extensive delay, Air India Express made the decision to cancel the flight entirely. This left passengers scrambling to make alternative arrangements, with many having important commitments the following day.
Airline Responds to Viral Complaint
Following Siraj's public complaint that quickly gained traction online, Air India Express issued an official response addressing the situation. The airline acknowledged the cancellation and delay while explaining the circumstances behind the incident.
In their statement, Air India Express cited "operational reasons" as the cause for both the prolonged delay and subsequent cancellation. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and assured that they were working to accommodate affected travelers on alternative flights.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in India's aviation sector, particularly concerning flight punctuality and customer service standards. As a prominent public figure, Siraj's experience has drawn significant attention to these issues, sparking discussions about passenger rights and airline accountability.
This is not the first time an Indian cricketer has faced travel difficulties. The national team's busy schedule requires frequent air travel, making reliable transportation crucial for their professional commitments. The widespread attention generated by Siraj's complaint underscores the importance of efficient service in the aviation industry, especially when handling high-profile passengers and urgent travel needs.
