An Air India flight headed to San Francisco was forced to return to Delhi on Wednesday after the aircraft developed a technical issue mid-journey. Flight tracking data showed the plane remained in the air for more than eight hours before turning back to the national capital.
In a statement, the airline confirmed that Flight AI173 operating from Delhi to San Francisco returned as a precautionary measure following established safety procedures.
The Boeing 777 300ER aircraft was carrying nearly 230 passengers at the time of the incident.
Air India said the aircraft landed safely in Delhi and will now undergo a detailed technical inspection in accordance with the airline’s safety protocols.
The airline also said arrangements are being made to help passengers continue their journey to San Francisco at the earliest possible opportunity.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers and are providing necessary assistance, including refreshments, hotel accommodation and alternate travel arrangements or rescheduling options,” the airline said.
Data available on Flightradar24 showed the aircraft had already spent over eight hours airborne before the decision was taken to divert it back to Delhi.
The incident comes days after another Air India flight operating from Bengaluru to Delhi declared a full emergency at Indira Gandhi International Airport following a suspected engine fire warning.
That flight, AI2802, carrying 171 passengers on an Airbus A320 aircraft, landed safely and was later towed away from the runway. Air India had stated that the cockpit crew received an engine fire warning during the aircraft’s final approach into Delhi, and the alert was subsequently confirmed.
The airline said it had launched a full investigation into the earlier incident in coordination with aviation regulators, reiterating that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
