New Delhi: An Air India Airbus A350 aircraft bound for London Heathrow was forced to return to the national capital on Thursday after a suspected technical issue mid-flight.
The flight, AI111, operated using an Airbus A350-900, had taken off from Delhi early in the morning but made a precautionary air-return after remaining airborne for several hours. According to the airline, the aircraft landed safely in Delhi and is now undergoing detailed technical checks.
In a statement, Air India said the decision was taken in line with its safety protocols after a potential issue was detected during the journey. The airline added that the aircraft would require additional time for thorough inspection before being cleared for operations.
Sources indicated that unusual noises were reported onboard, prompting the diversion while the aircraft was flying over Saudi Arabian airspace. The plane remained in the air for nearly seven hours before landing back in Delhi around 12:30 pm, after departing at approximately 6 am.
This is the second such incident involving the same aircraft, registered as VT-JRF, which had earlier encountered a technical problem on March 15 during a New York–Delhi flight, leading to a diversion to Shannon in Ireland.
The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and said efforts are underway to arrange alternative travel to London at the earliest.
Air India began operating its A350-900 fleet in January 2024 as part of its fleet modernisation programme.
