Air India flight delayed 24 hours. Image: pfg

Passengers booked on an Air India flight have been left stranded in Mumbai after the airline cancelled the flight due to a lack of cockpit crew.

The Mumbai-Singapore service, destined to carry up to 260 passengers and take-off just after midnight on Wednesday, has been re-scheduled to depart 24 hours later, NDTV reported.

Some customers have been re-booked on alternative flights or provided accommodation options.

“The Mumbai-Singapore flight AI342 with 260 passengers on board was cancelled due to non-availability of commander,” an Air India spokesperson said.

“The flight will now leave for Singapore at midnight today.”

A severe cockpit crew shortage has plagued the airline recently, with pilots leaving for other airlines.