More than 150 passengers stranded in Bahrain for 36 hours are expected to fly home today (June 26), after a technical problem caused an Air India Express flight to be cancelled on Sunday.

IX4744 had been due to depart for Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala at 6.45pm. Passengers were initially taken back to the terminal before being put up at the Gulf Gate Hotel, Manama, with all expenses paid.

They have also reportedly been promised a free ticket on another airline travelling to India should there be any more delays.

Airline officials could not be reached for comment, but earlier confirmed a technical problem was to blame for the delay and said engineers were working to solve the issue.

"We were ready to fly when a sudden electrical system shutdown took place," said a passenger who did not want to be named.

"The crew told us that a technical fault has occurred and that we will have to wait. Although we were provided with food and accommodation, at this point the only thing I want is to be back home." – TradeArabia News Service