An Air India Express flight from Hyderabad to Phuket had to return to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on Saturday morning after a technical issue was detected shortly after take-off. According to The Times of India, the Boeing 737 Max 8, operating as Flight IX110, took off around 6:40 am with plans to reach Phuket shortly before noon. However, just 16 minutes after departure, the aircraft turned back and landed safely in Hyderabad.
Technical Issue Forces Safe Return
According to initial reports, the flight crew identified a technical problem in the early phase of the journey and, as a precautionary measure, decided to return to the origin airport. The airline emphasized that the move was taken with passenger safety as the utmost priority. All passengers and crew members onboard were reported safe, with no injuries or in-flight emergencies.
Passenger Complaints and Airline Response
Passengers took to social media to share their experience, mentioning delays, a lack of real-time information, and uncertainty regarding rebooking or alternate arrangements. Some travelers said they had to go through security checks again while waiting for updates.
Air India Express issued an apology to affected passengers, assuring them that a technical team is working to resolve the issue swiftly and that all efforts would be made to accommodate travelers on the earliest possible alternative flights. The airline stressed its commitment to passenger safety and transparent communication throughout the delay.
Growing Scrutiny Over Technical Snags
This latest incident is not isolated, as other Air India Express flights have recently experienced similar disruptions due to technical snags. The recurrence of such issues underscores the importance of stringent maintenance, regular aircraft checks, and effective communication with customers during unexpected delays.
Investigation and Next Steps
The flight and maintenance crews, along with aviation safety authorities, are investigating the exact cause of the technical problem that led to the precautionary return. Details regarding rescheduling options, refunds, or passenger compensation are expected to be communicated by the airline following the completion of the investigation.
Photo Credit: Bhaskar English
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