
Key Highlights
- Air India flight IX375 (Boeing 737) from Kozhikode to Doha forced to return shortly after takeoff due to technical fault
- Incident occurred at 9:17 am, with passengers safely returned and later re-accommodated on another aircraft
- Recent incidents include a fire on a Hong Kong–Delhi flight’s APU, emergency stop before takeoff in Delhi, and a Mumbai runway excursion in heavy rain
- No injuries reported in any of the incidents; all passengers evacuated safely
New Delhi: Passengers on Air India flight IX375 from Kozhikode to Doha had a brief scare on Wednesday morning after their aircraft a Boeing 737 experienced a technical fault soon after takeoff. The flight had departed from Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ) at 9:17 am and was diverted back as a precaution.
According to Air India, the decision to return was made to ensure passenger safety. Once back at the airport, affected passengers were provided breakfast and water, before being rebooked on an alternative flight. “We regret the inconvenience caused to our guests but reiterate that safety is paramount in all our processes,” an Air India spokesperson said.
SERIES OF SAFETY INCIDENTS PLAGUE AIR INDIA THIS WEEK
This is the latest in a string of technical issues and safety scares for Air India reported this week:
1. Hong Kong–Delhi Flight APU Fire
- Flight AI 315, from Hong Kong to Delhi, experienced a fire in its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) shortly after landing.
- The fire broke out at the rear of the aircraft as passengers were preparing to disembark.
- The APU, responsible for supplying power during parking, automatically shut down and the situation was brought under control with no injuries reported.
2. Delhi–Kolkata Emergency Stop
- Flight AI 2403 on the Delhi–Kolkata route was stopped just before takeoff due to a technical fault detected during the take-off roll.
- The pilots acted as per safety protocols, aborting takeoff.
- All 160 passengers were safely deboarded. The flight departed later the same evening after addressing the issue.
3. Mumbai Runway Excursion During Heavy Rain
- Flight AI 2744 from Kochi to Mumbai landed under challenging conditions amid heavy rainfall.
- The aircraft skidded slightly off the runway, with minor engine damage to one side of the Airbus A320.
- All passengers were safely evacuated, and there were no serious injuries.
No Injuries, But Safety Under the Spotlight
While Air India has emphasized that safety protocols and swift crew action ensured all passengers remained unharmed across all incidents, these repeated technical snags have once again raised questions over fleet maintenance and operational oversight.
Passengers Advised: What To Know
- If a technical problem arises, airline safety protocols are designed to protect you.
- Alternate aircraft or compensation is provided in case of major delays or diversions.
- Always cooperate fully with crew instructions during and after in-flight incidents.
While this week has seen no injuries, the cluster of incidents emphasizes the critical need for rigorous maintenance and regular technical audits. With passenger safety being paramount, travelers are urged to stay updated on advisories and support airline crew if similar events occur.