PTC Web Desk: After remaining air-borne for nearly seven hours, an Air India flight bound for London returned to Delhi on Thursday after a suspected technical snag. The flight (AI111) took off from the Delhi airport around 6 am for London Heathrow.

The crew notices an issue after being air-borne for nearly seven hours. The crew reported hearing unusual noises while the aircraft was in Saudi Arabian airspace. The pilots immediately decided to turn back. Airbus A350-900 aircraft landed safely in Delhi around 12.30 pm.

In a statement, Air India said the aircraft was now undergoing detailed checks in line with its safety protocols. It also issued an apology for the inconvenience. The Air India said efforts were being made to help passengers continue their journey to London as soon as possible.

Same aircraft faced technical glitch in month beginning 

It is learnt that it is the same aircraft that had faced a technical glitch earlier this month.  A New York-Delhi flight was forced to divert to Shannon in Ireland.  Air India began operating A350-900 aircraft earlier this year.