An Air India Express flight en route to Kolkata had to return to Bengaluru on Sunday evening after experiencing a technical issue mid-flight.
Unexpected Turnaround
Flight IX2718, an Airbus A320 aircraft, had departed from Bengaluru and was headed for Kolkata. However, its journey was cut short unexpectedly.
According to Flightradar24.com, a popular flight tracking website, the plane was airborne for more than two hours before it turned back towards its origin airport.
Prioritizing Safety
An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed the incident on Monday, stating that the flight returned due to a technical problem. The airline emphasized that the crew took necessary precautions.
Before landing, the aircraft circled the airport for some time. This maneuver is a standard safety procedure, allowing the plane to burn off fuel and reduce its weight for a safer, precautionary landing.
Passengers Reached Destination
Once the aircraft landed safely back in Bengaluru, the airline swiftly made arrangements for the affected passengers. An alternative aircraft was promptly organized to ensure they could continue their journey to Kolkata.
While the exact number of passengers on board was not disclosed, the airline’s quick action aimed to minimize inconvenience for those impacted by the unexpected diversion.
Investigation Underway
Air India Express has initiated an investigation into the technical snag that caused the flight to return. The airline is working to identify the precise nature of the issue to prevent future occurrences and ensure the continued safety of its operations.
Such incidents, though rare, highlight the rigorous safety protocols followed by airlines to ensure passenger well-being even when unforeseen technical challenges arise.
- Air India Express Flight IX2718 returned to Bengaluru due to a technical issue.
- The Airbus A320 aircraft was airborne for over two hours before returning.
- The crew performed a precautionary landing after burning off fuel to reduce weight.
- An alternate aircraft was arranged to transport passengers to Kolkata.
- The airline is currently investigating the cause of the technical snag.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and rapid response protocols in air travel, ensuring passenger safety remains the top priority.