Hong Kong – Air India flight AI315, operating from Hong Kong to Delhi, was forced to return to Hong Kong International Airport shortly after take-off due to a technical glitch reported by the pilots. The incident occurred just four days after a tragic Air India crash involving another Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, raising further scrutiny over the aircraft model.
The pilots’ radio communication with Hong Kong Air Traffic Control revealed their firm decision to not continue the journey. “Due to technical reasons, we would like to stay closer to Hong Kong. Maybe, we will come back and land in Hong Kong once we sort out the problem. We don’t want to continue further,” one of the pilots is heard saying in a now-viral video posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The flight, according to Flightradar24, took off around 9:30 AM IST and returned to the airport within 90 minutes, performing a safe landing without incident.
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Airline Statement and Safety Measures
Air India released a formal statement confirming that AI315 had air-returned due to a technical issue detected shortly after take-off. “The flight landed safely at Hong Kong and is undergoing checks as a matter of abundant precaution,” the airline said.
As part of its response, Air India has initiated a full technical inspection of the aircraft and is closely coordinating with engineering teams to ensure safety before further operations. While no details have been disclosed about the exact nature of the glitch, airline officials emphasized that the pilots followed all standard operating procedures and made the safety-first decision.
The airline also stated that alternative arrangements were being made to fly the passengers to Delhi at the earliest possible time and that ground assistance is being provided to minimize inconvenience caused by the disruption.
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Increased Scrutiny on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners
This incident comes on the heels of a devastating crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, in which 241 of 242 passengers died. The crash has intensified global concerns over the safety of this aircraft model, which has been under regulatory and engineering scrutiny in recent years.
Though AI315’s issue was unrelated to the Ahmedabad tragedy, the close timing and similar aircraft type have added to public anxiety. Aviation experts suggest that while the Dreamliner is generally regarded as safe, it has been subject to past concerns, including a 2024 whistleblower warning from a Boeing engineer regarding assembly flaws and structural stress vulnerabilities.
A full safety audit of the Air India Dreamliner fleet may now be anticipated, as the airline and civil aviation authorities seek to reassure the public and reinforce confidence in long-haul international air travel.