New Delhi, June 16: A Ranchi-bound Air India Express flight was diverted back to Delhi on June 16 shortly after takeoff due to a suspected technical issue. The Boeing 737 Max 8 resumed operations after inspection, Air India Express confirmed.
Earlier the same day, Air India flight AI 315 from Hong Kong to Delhi, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, also turned back mid-air after the pilot reported a suspected technical snag. All passengers deboarded safely and the aircraft is undergoing checks.
These incidents follow the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 on June 12 in Ahmedabad, which killed 241 of the 242 onboard. The lone survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, sustained minor injuries. In response, the DGCA has ordered comprehensive safety inspections across Air India’s Dreamliner fleet. A high-level civil aviation security meeting, chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, is scheduled for June 17.