Man Claims Air India Express Denied Boarding; Airline Says Gate Closed 25 Minutes Early

A traveler reported that Air India Express denied him entry onto a scheduled flight, claiming the airline turned him away at the gate. The passenger said the aircraft had not yet departed when he was stopped from boarding. Air India Express, however, issued a statement saying that the gate for the flight was closed 25 minutes prior to the official departure time, in line with its standard operating procedures. The airline added that once the gate is shut, passengers cannot be accommodated without compromising the flight schedule. The dispute underscores the importance of clear communication between airlines and passengers regarding boarding cut‑off times, especially on tight domestic and international itineraries.