Jeddah-bound Air India Express flight returns to Kerala after midair tech snag
An Air India Express flight from Kannur to Jeddah returned to Kannur after pilots detected a technical issue around two hours into the journey. The aircraft landed safely with over 180 passengers on board as the exact problem remained unclear.
An Air India Express flight bound for Jeddah in UAE returned to Kannur International Airport in Kerala on Tuesday morning after pilots received an engine warning indication shortly after take-off, airport sources said.
The flight, carrying more than 180 passengers, departed from Kannur at around 7.40 am. However, about two hours into the journey, the crew noticed an engine warning light and decided to turn the aircraft back as a precaution.
Before landing, the aircraft remained airborne for some time to burn excess fuel and reduce landing weight, according to airport officials. The flight landed safely in Kannur and no passengers suffered any injuries. Subsequent inspections reportedly identified an issue with the aircraft's fuel filter, sources said.
Confirming the incident, an Air India Express spokesperson said the crew of the Kannur-Jeddah flight had opted to return to base as a precautionary measure after detecting a technical issue.
"The crew operating our Kannur–Jeddah flight elected to return as a precautionary measure following a technical issue. We are arranging an alternative aircraft for the onward journey, and guests have been provided with refreshments and hotel accommodation. We regret the inconvenience and reiterate that safety remains our highest priority in every aspect of our operations," the spokesperson said.
The airline said an alternative aircraft was being arranged to operate the flight to Jeddah, while affected passengers were provided refreshments and hotel accommodation. Further checks of the aircraft were underway at Kannur airport.
An Air India Express flight bound for Jeddah in UAE returned to Kannur International Airport in Kerala on Tuesday morning after pilots received an engine warning indication shortly after take-off, airport sources said.
The flight, carrying more than 180 passengers, departed from Kannur at around 7.40 am. However, about two hours into the journey, the crew noticed an engine warning light and decided to turn the aircraft back as a precaution.
Before landing, the aircraft remained airborne for some time to burn excess fuel and reduce landing weight, according to airport officials. The flight landed safely in Kannur and no passengers suffered any injuries. Subsequent inspections reportedly identified an issue with the aircraft's fuel filter, sources said.
Confirming the incident, an Air India Express spokesperson said the crew of the Kannur-Jeddah flight had opted to return to base as a precautionary measure after detecting a technical issue.
"The crew operating our Kannur–Jeddah flight elected to return as a precautionary measure following a technical issue. We are arranging an alternative aircraft for the onward journey, and guests have been provided with refreshments and hotel accommodation. We regret the inconvenience and reiterate that safety remains our highest priority in every aspect of our operations," the spokesperson said.
The airline said an alternative aircraft was being arranged to operate the flight to Jeddah, while affected passengers were provided refreshments and hotel accommodation. Further checks of the aircraft were underway at Kannur airport.
