Air India Flight Returns to Mumbai Over Technical Issue

In a rare in-flight turn of events, Air India Flight AI191, bound for Newark from Mumbai, returned to its origin on Tuesday after the crew reported a suspected technical issue. The aircraft landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and all passengers disembarked without incident.

The incident occurred mid-air when the flight crew detected a potential technical anomaly. Following standard aviation safety protocols, the decision was taken to return the plane to Mumbai as a precautionary measure. “The aircraft landed safely, and necessary inspections are currently underway to ensure its airworthiness,” Air India stated.

The airline confirmed that both Flight AI191 and its return leg, AI144 from Newark, were cancelled to allow for a detailed technical assessment. Affected passengers in Mumbai were provided with hotel accommodations and rebooked on alternative Air India or partner airline flights. Passengers scheduled to travel from Newark were also notified and assisted in arranging alternate travel plans.

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Precautionary returns, while uncommon, are a routine safety procedure in aviation. They are implemented to ensure passenger and crew safety even in the event of minor anomalies.

Adding to a challenging week for the airline, a separate incident emerged when Prafull Sawant, a flight safety auditor with Air India, was found dead in his paying guest accommodation in Gurugram, Haryana. Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play, and investigations including CCTV review and interviews with staff and residents are ongoing.

Despite these incidents, experts emphasize that such precautionary measures underscore the airline’s commitment to safety rather than signal systemic risks. Aviation analysts note that mid-flight returns, though disruptive, are part of a global standard to prevent accidents before they occur.

Passengers impacted by AI191 can expect updates from Air India as the technical inspections progress.