Delhi-bound Air India flight faces technical issue mid-air, returns to Hong Kong
PTC Web Desk: An Air India flight en route from Hong Kong to New Delhi was forced to return mid-air on Monday due to a suspected technical malfunction, further intensifying concerns about aviation safety in India. The flight, AI315, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had just departed Hong Kong when the pilot reported a technical irregularity, prompting a precautionary return to its origin.
This incident follows a separate emergency involving Lufthansa Flight LH752, which was bound for Hyderabad but had to turn back to Frankfurt, Germany. According to Lufthansa, the aircraft was denied landing clearance in Hyderabad, forcing it to reverse course. The denial reportedly stemmed from a bomb threat received while the flight was airborne. Airport officials later confirmed security concerns were the primary reason behind the refusal of landing permission.
Public anxiety over flight safety has surged dramatically following a catastrophic Air India crash last week. On June 12, Air India Flight 171, also a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London. All 241 passengers and crew members on board tragically perished, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among families of the victims, aviation experts, and the general public. Criticism has been particularly aimed at Air India's maintenance practices, pilot training standards, and broader safety protocols. Many are demanding urgent reforms and accountability from the airline's management.
In response, the Indian government has launched a high-level investigation into the crash. A special inquiry committee has been constituted, comprising officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and independent aviation safety experts. The panel is tasked with scrutinising technical records, maintenance logs, and crew performance in the moments leading up to the fatal crash.
- With inputs from agencies
