Technical issues force long haul flight back to Delhi.
A technical issue forced an Air India flight heading to San Francisco to turn back to Delhi on Wednesday, leaving 230 passengers stranded after spending over eight hours in the sky. Flight AI173 executed the turnaround after flying for more than three hours, reportedly changing its course while cruising within Chinese airspace. Ground teams safely received the aircraft at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where it immediately moved to a hangar for inspection.
Pilots noticed the malfunction several hours into the transpacific journey. Following established safety protocols, the flight crew opted to return to the base station in Delhi rather than risking an extended overwater route. Air India officials confirmed that the decision aligns with standard operational safety procedures. Representatives stated that technicians are currently evaluating the precise nature of the mechanical fault before clearing the airframe for future service.
Airport ground crews began coordinating logistical relief as soon as the plane touched down. Air India is arranging alternative flights to transport the affected passengers to California. Waiting travelers received refreshments, hotel accommodations, and options for complimentary flight rescheduling.
This turnaround follows another recent safety scare for the airline. Just six days prior, on May 21, an Air India flight from Bengaluru experienced an engine fire upon landing in Delhi. India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has been tightening oversight on commercial carriers recently to address recurring mechanical glitches across domestic and international fleets.
