New Delhi: A San Francisco-bound Air India jet was compelled to reverse course and land back in Delhi on Wednesday morning after being airborne for more than eight hours, the carrier said, citing a technical fault, PTI reported.
The Boeing 777-300 ER, identified as flight AI173, had approximately 230 passengers on board when it returned to the capital in strict compliance with established safety protocols, sources said.
“Flight AI173 from Delhi
to San Francisco on May 27 has returned to Delhi due to a technical issue in accordance with the laid down procedures,” Air India said in a statement.
The plane completed a safe landing and is set for thorough technical scrutiny.
“The aircraft landed safely and will undergo technical inspection in line with Air India’s safety standards,” the statement added.
Flightradar24 tracking data confirms the aircraft remained airborne for upwards of eight hours. The diversion back to Delhi reportedly commenced after the plane had flown beyond eight hours while within Chinese airspace.
Apologizing for the disruption, Air India said it is arranging alternate travel options to get passengers to San Francisco at the earliest.
“Regretting the inconvenience caused to the passengers, Air India said it was making alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination as soon as possible,” the airline said.
“In the meantime, our ground teams are providing all necessary assistance to the passengers, including refreshments, hotel accommodation or rescheduling as opted by them,” it added.