Air India’s Delhi-San Francisco flight returns mid-air after technical glitch, 230 passengers safe
PTC Web Desk: An Air India flight heading to San Francisco from Delhi had to return to the national capital on Wednesday after a technical issue was detected during the journey.
The airline said flight AI173, operated with a Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, landed safely in Delhi following standard safety procedures. Around 230 passengers were on board the flight.
According to flight tracking websites, the aircraft remained airborne for more than eight hours before turning back to Delhi.
In an official statement, Air India said the aircraft would now undergo a detailed technical inspection as per safety norms.
The airline also said arrangements were being made to minimise inconvenience to passengers. Alternative travel options, hotel stay, refreshments and rescheduling support were being provided by the ground staff.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers and are making every effort to fly them to their destination at the earliest,” the airline said.
The incident comes days after another Air India flight from Bengaluru to Delhi reported an engine-related issue during landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
That flight, AI2802, carrying 171 passengers, had declared a full emergency after the cockpit crew received a warning related to one of the aircraft’s engines while approaching Delhi. The Airbus A320 aircraft landed safely and was later moved from the runway.
Air India had then said it would conduct a full investigation into the matter in coordination with aviation authorities, adding that passenger safety remains its top priority.
- With inputs from agencies
