Air India flights to London Heathrow, Birmingham diverted due to bad weather

One of the diverted Air India flights were headed to London's Heathrow airport and another to Birmingham.

Updated on: Jan 9, 2026, 12:31:49 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Two Air India flights from India headed to separate destinations in the UK were diverted on Friday due to bad weather. One of them was headed to London's Heathrow airport and another to Birmingham.

An Air India spokesperson said that Flight AI131, travelling from Mumbai to London Heathrow, was rerouted to London Gatwick (Unsplash/Representational Image)

An Air India spokesperson said that Flight AI131, travelling from Mumbai to London Heathrow, was rerouted to London Gatwick on January 9 after poor weather conditions disrupted operations at Heathrow.

ALSO READ | Air India takes delivery of its first line fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in over eight years

“The aircraft, initially, had to hold over London Heathrow due to the continuing inclement weather and diverted to Gatwick finally with the pilot requesting for priority landing adhering to standard operating procedures. The aircraft had landed safely at Gatwick and all passengers were extended assistance,” the spokesperson said.

ALSO READ | Tata Group starts hunt for Campbell Wilson’s Air India successor

In another instance, Flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham was also unable to land at its scheduled destination because of adverse weather. “The crew diverted the flight and landed at London seeking permission for priority landing as per procedure,” the spokesperson added.

ALSO READ | Canada had arrested tipsy Air India pilot last month

More details are awaited.

In a similar incident last week, an Air India Express flight was forced to return to Delhi after making repeated but unsuccessful attempts to land at Lucknow airport, officials confirmed.

Airport authorities said flight IX-2171, scheduled to arrive from Delhi at around 6:30 am, tried to land as many as 17 times but was unable to do so because of severely reduced visibility. With visibility dropping below the minimum levels required for safe operations, Air Traffic Control did not grant landing permission.

As a result of the prolonged delay and the eventual diversion back to Delhi, Air India Express also had to cancel its onward Lucknow to Riyadh service, flight IX-189.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.