An Air India flight bound for Vancouver was forced to return to New Delhi mid-air after operating with an aircraft that did not have the required regulatory clearance to enter Canada, NDTV reported.
According to the report, Flight AI185 departed Delhi at 11:34 am and had been airborne for about four hours when the issue was identified while flying over Chinese airspace near Kunming.
The aircraft, a Boeing 777-200LR, was not authorised for operations into Canada, where Air India currently has approval to use only its Boeing 777-300ER fleet for such services.
Following the discovery, the flight was turned back, completing a total journey of 7 hours and 54 minutes before landing safely in Delhi. All passengers and crew disembarked without incident.
Air India said the return was due to an “operational issue” and that the decision was taken in line with standard procedures.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to our guests,” the airline said, adding that assistance including hotel accommodation was provided to affected passengers.
The airline also arranged an alternative flight, which departed the following day with all passengers on board.
The incident is expected to have significant cost implications, with a Boeing 777 typically consuming eight to nine tonnes of fuel per hour, according to NDTV. (Newswire)