Air India’s AI 185 flight from Delhi to Vancouver was forced to return to the national capital after being airborne for over seven hours on March 19, the airline confirmed in an official statement.

The flight had taken off from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport but made a U-turn while flying through Chinese airspace, according to flight tracking data. The aircraft eventually landed safely back in Delhi, and all passengers and crew disembarked without incident.

Air India said the decision to return was taken due to “an operational issue and in line with established standard operating procedures,” without disclosing specific details.

Notably, AI 185 was operated using a Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft (VT-AEI) on March 19, whereas the route is usually served by a Boeing 777-337 (ER).

A source indicated that there may have been an administrative issue related to the aircraft deployed, which led to the mid-air return. However, further details, including the exact reason for the diversion and the number of passengers on board, could not be ascertained.

In its statement, the airline said, “Air India flight AI185, operating from Delhi to Vancouver on 19 March, returned to Delhi due to an operational issue and in line with established standard operating procedures. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked.”

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our guests by this unforeseen situation. Our ground teams in Delhi provided all necessary assistance, including offering hotel accommodation while every effort was made to fly the passengers to their destination at the earliest,” it added.

Air India also confirmed that the affected passengers were accommodated and the flight departed for Vancouver the following morning with all passengers on board.

The airline reiterated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.

Source: India Today