Air India Boeing 777 Returns to Delhi After Technical Issue

An Air India flight bound for San Francisco was forced to return to New Delhi on Wednesday after a technical issue prompted the crew to divert the long-haul journey more than eight hours after departure. The Boeing 777-300ER, operating as Flight AI173, landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport with approximately 230 passengers on board, according to the airline.

The aircraft had been airborne for over three hours and was traversing Chinese airspace when the decision was made to turn back to the Indian capital. Flight-tracking data indicated the plane was in the air for a total of over eight hours before landing. In a statement, Air India said the return was conducted in accordance with established safety procedures.

The airline confirmed the aircraft would undergo a technical inspection. While the specific nature of the fault was not disclosed, one source indicated the cockpit crew received a fire indication from one of the engines during the final approach into Delhi, which was subsequently confirmed. The airline stated all standard operating procedures were followed for a safe landing.

Air India apologized for the disruption and said it was making alternative travel...