An Air India flight flying from Bengaluru to London was diverted mid-air to Jeddah on March 23 following a suspected technical issue, the airline said.
“Air India Flight AI133, operating from Bengaluru (BLR) to London Heathrow (LHR) on 23 March, made a precautionary enroute diversion to Jeddah following a suspected technical issue. The aircraft landed safely at Jeddah Airport at 1958 hrs IST, and all passengers and crew are confirmed safe.," a statement from Air India read.
Air India further said in the statement that the aircraft is currently undergoing detailed technical inspections as per safety protocols. The airline described the diversion as a precautionary measure taken out of “an abundance of caution.”
“Air India is coordinating closely with Jeddah Airport authorities and local agencies to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to passengers and crew. Their safety and well‑being remain our highest priority,” the statement read.
Details about the number of passengers onboard the plane could not be ascertained.
{{/usCountry}}Details about the number of passengers onboard the plane could not be ascertained.
{{/usCountry}}Not to forget, a few days back, an Air India Boeing 777-200LR bound for Vancouver returned to Delhi after flying for over seven hours, as the aircraft was not cleared to operate the route.
The issue stemmed from an apparent lapse in updating operational requirements for Canada-bound flights, leading to the deployment of an incorrect aircraft.
Air India confirmed that flight AI185, which departed Delhi on March 19, turned back due to an operational issue and followed standard procedures. The aircraft, registered VT-AEI, was over Chinese airspace when it reversed course, according to Flightradar24.
The airline said the plane landed safely in Delhi and all passengers and crew disembarked without incident.
Also, on late on Sunday night, an Air Canada Express flight struck a ground vehicle shortly after landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, marking the latest in a string of incidents raising concerns over aviation safety. A pilot and co-pilot were tragically killed in a collision.
According to the New York Police Department, the aircraft collided with a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey vehicle. Following the incident, LaGuardia was temporarily closed to incoming flights from across the US and Canada.