An Air India flight operating between Delhi and San Francisco was forced to return to the national capital on Tuesday after a technical issue was detected mid-flight, leading to a lengthy diversion that kept the aircraft airborne for more than eight hours.
The flight, AI173, was carrying around 230 passengers when the crew decided to turn the aircraft back in line with established safety procedures. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in Delhi and would now undergo detailed technical checks.
According to reports, the aircraft had already spent several hours in the air and was flying through Chinese airspace before the decision was taken to reverse course.
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Airline cites safety protocols
In an official statement, Air India said the aircraft returned to Delhi because of a technical snag identified during the journey.
According to NDTV, the airline stressed that passenger and crew safety remained its top priority and confirmed that all standard operating procedures were followed during the incident.
“Flight AI173 from Delhi to San Francisco on 27 May has returned to Delhi due to a technical issue in accordance with the laid-down procedures. The aircraft landed safely and will undergo technical inspection in line with Air India’s safety standards,” the airline stated.
Passengers were safely deboarded after landing, and no injuries were reported.
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Alternate arrangements made for passengers
According to NDTV, the airline said ground staff were assisting affected passengers with refreshments, accommodation, and rescheduling options while alternate travel arrangements were being organised.
Long-haul international diversions often create significant logistical challenges because of crew duty-hour limits, aircraft availability, and immigration clearances, especially on ultra-long routes such as Delhi to San Francisco.
Some passengers were reportedly offered hotel stays while others were accommodated on alternative flights.
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Fresh scrutiny after recent engine incident
According to NDTV, the incident comes just days after another Air India aircraft experienced a separate technical problem.
On May 21, an Air India flight operating from Bengaluru to Delhi reported an engine fire indication during its final approach into Delhi airport. The airline later confirmed that the cockpit warning was genuine, though the crew managed to land the aircraft safely without further complications.
That aircraft, operating as flight AI2802, was safely evacuated after landing, and all passengers disembarked normally.
