Mumbai, Oct 22: An Air India flight bound for Newark had to return to Mumbai early Wednesday after the crew detected a suspected technical issue midair, the airline said.
The Boeing 777 aircraft operating flight AI191 took off from Mumbai around 1.50 am and was airborne for more than three hours before turning back, according to flight-tracking data from Flightradar24.
“The crew of flight AI191 operating from Mumbai to Newark on 22 October made a precautionary air-return to Mumbai due to a suspected technical issue. The flight landed safely back in Mumbai, and the aircraft is undergoing necessary inspections,” Air India said in a statement.
The airline confirmed that both AI191 and its corresponding return service, AI144 from Newark to Mumbai, have been cancelled. Passengers affected by the cancellations were provided hotel accommodations in Mumbai and have been rebooked on other Air India or partner flights.
Air India also said that passengers in Newark were informed of the cancellation and are being assisted with alternate travel arrangements “at the earliest opportunity.” The airline did not disclose the number of passengers on board.
