An Air India flight bound for London was forced to return to Delhi on Thursday after a suspected technical issue was detected mid-journey, prompting the crew to take precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety.
The flight, AI111, was being operated using an Airbus A350-900 and had already been airborne for several hours when the pilots decided to turn back. According to an airline spokesperson, the decision was taken after indications of a possible technical problem emerged during the flight.
“The aircraft landed safely and, consistent with Air India’s high safety standards, is currently undergoing extensive technical evaluations, which will require additional time,” the spokesperson said.
Reports indicate that unusual sounds were heard from within the aircraft while it was flying over Saudi Arabia airspace. As a precaution, the crew chose to discontinue the journey and return to Delhi rather than continue toward London.
The flight had taken off from Delhi at around 6:00 am and landed safely back at approximately 12:30 pm. While officials have not confirmed the exact number of passengers onboard, sources suggest the aircraft remained in the air for nearly seven hours before returning.
The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and stated that efforts are underway to arrange alternative travel to London at the earliest. Passenger safety, the airline emphasized, remains its top priority.
Notably, this is not the first technical concern involving the same aircraft, registered as VT-JRF. Earlier this month, on March 15, the plane experienced a similar issue while operating a flight from New York City to Delhi. On that occasion, it was diverted to Shannon in Ireland as a precaution.
While investigations are ongoing, the incident highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols and swift decision-making in aviation, ensuring that potential risks are addressed before they escalate into serious situations.
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