An Air India Express Boeing 737 Max 8, operating flight IX 193 from Lucknow to Dubai, was cancelled shortly before its scheduled 08:45 AM departure due to a technical issue detected during engine start-up, according to PTI and airport sources .
🛫 Incident Summary
- The aircraft—registered VT‑BXZ and first flown in May 2019—was halted at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport just minutes before takeoff after pilots identified an anomaly during the engine start sequence .
- Onboard were 166 passengers and crew, all of whom were informed immediately following boarding. No injuries occurred .
- Air India Express offered full refunds or rescheduling with complimentary hotel accommodation, with most passengers opting to stay overnight; the flight was expected to resume around the same time the following day .
✍️ Airline Response & Safety Protocols
- The airline grounded the aircraft as a precautionary measure, invoking standard safety procedures during pre-flight engine operation
- Maintenance teams conducted a thorough diagnostic check before the aircraft is cleared for its rescheduled service, prioritizing passenger and crew safety above all else.
🧩 Operational Context & Insights
- This marks the second Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft grounded at Lucknow in three days; on Sunday, flight IX 2816 to Hyderabad was cancelled for similar reasons
- The recurring technical holds suggest a heightened focus on pre-flight engine system reliability, particularly in start-up sequences.
- While no broader fleet-wide alert has been issued, the frequency of checks indicates proactive maintenance behavior by Air India Express and Indian aviation regulators.
🧭 Passenger & Airport Impact
- Despite the cancellation, Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport operations continued smoothly, with swift rebooking and hotel coordination limiting traveler inconvenience
- Airlines typically charter alternate aircraft or re-accommodate passengers on connecting flights, ensuring minimal disruption to travel plans