A flight operated by Air India from Delhi to London Heathrow was forced to return on Thursday after a suspected technical issue. The incident raised concerns as the aircraft had already been in the air for several hours.
Reports suggest that the flight remained airborne for nearly seven hours. The aircraft, an Airbus A350 900 with registration VT JRF, had taken off around 6 am before turning back mid journey as a precaution.
Airline officials stated that unusual noises were detected during the flight. This led the crew to divert the aircraft while it was flying over Saudi Arabian airspace.
The plane landed safely in Delhi at around 12:30 pm. Following the landing, the aircraft was sent for detailed technical inspection to identify the issue.
Air India said the diversion was in line with its safety first approach. The airline also noted that thorough checks may take additional time before the aircraft is cleared again.
Interestingly, the same aircraft had faced a technical issue earlier this month. A New York to Delhi flight operated by this plane was diverted to Shannon in Ireland.
The recurrence of technical concerns has raised questions about aircraft reliability. Passengers and observers have expressed concerns over safety standards.
Air India has apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers. The airline confirmed that alternative travel arrangements are being made.
The incident has drawn attention, especially in light of the Air India Ahmedabad disaster in 2025. It has once again highlighted the importance of strict safety checks and maintenance.
