One Day After Crash, Another Air India Scare: London Flight Returns Mid-Way After Technical Fault, Airspace Closure

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): An Air India flight bound for London Heathrow had to return to Mumbai on Friday morning shortly after take-off due to a technical fault and airspace restrictions. The flight had taken off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 8:36 AM, but shortly after, it was decided to bring the aircraft back due to closure of Middle East airspace and a technical issue in the hydraulic system.

Air India’s flight going to London returned mid-way; the plane landed back at Mumbai airport due to technical fault. Initially, the pilots reported the technical malfunction to Air Traffic Control (ATC), causing a brief stir. It was later clarified that due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel and the Israeli airstrikes, airspace over the Middle East was temporarily closed, making it impossible for the flight to proceed.

The flight had reached close to Middle East airspace when the pilots were alerted to the situation. They immediately sought permission from ATC and diverted the aircraft back toward Mumbai. On its return, the aircraft circled around Mumbai airport for a while before finally making a safe landing.

This incident occurred just a day after a tragic Air India crash linked to Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members, naturally causing heightened anxiety and concern among passengers.

Currently, a technical inspection of the aircraft is underway, and Air India is arranging alternative flights to send passengers to London. The airline has assured passengers of all necessary assistance and facilities to minimize any inconvenience in their journey.