New Delhi: An Air India flight, on its way to Mumbai from Delhi, was forced to return to the national capital shortly after take-off due to a technical snag on Monday.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has sought a detailed report from the airline. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will also carry out a probe.
Flight AI887 landed back safely, the airline said, and all passengers and crew disembarked, Air India said.
“The crew operating flight AI887 from Delhi to Mumbai on 22 December decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue as per standard operating procedure,” the airline spokesperson said.
“The aircraft landed safely at Delhi, and the passengers and crew have disembarked,” the statement added, expressing regret.
“Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation. The aircraft is undergoing the necessary checks,” the airline said.
Air India’s ground team in Delhi was providing immediate assistance to affected passengers and alternative arrangements had been made to fly them to Mumbai shortly, it was mentioned.
Sources quoted by CNN-News18 said that the aircraft developed an engine-related problem, which prompted the crew to abort the onward journey and return to Delhi as a precautionary measure.
The exact number of passengers and crew on the flight was not immediately known.
The ministry also acknowledged the incident.
“The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken note of the Air India flight AI-887 incident involving a technical issue shortly after take-off. The aircraft landed safely. The Ministry has sought a detailed report from Air India, and DGCA has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation,” it mentioned in an X post.
“The airline has been directed to extend all assistance to passengers and accommodate them on subsequent flights. Passenger safety remains paramount,” the post added.
The incident comes at a time when flights are being affected in Delhi and other airports in northern India due to low visibility.
Though the exact number was not known, several flights from Delhi were cancelled or delayed on Monday. The airport stated that low-visibility procedures were in progress.
Passengers have also been advised to contact their respective airlines for real-time information on their flight schedule.
